The IT University of Copenhagen invites highly motivated individuals to apply for a 2-year postdoctoral position in the intersection of neuro-symbolic machine learning and secure multi-party computation (MPC), starting 1 January 2026.

We invite applicants who want to contribute to the IT University's vision of creating and sharing knowledge that is profound and leads to innovative information technology and services for the benefit of humanity.

The project
The Villum Experiment research project “Neuro-Symbolic Federated Learning with Secure Multi-Party Computation” aims to explore the feasibility of training neural networks with logical constraints using secure MPC. The project addresses critical domains such as finance and healthcare, where data privacy is paramount and traditional data sharing is not an option.

The research will focus on:

• Investigating differentiable logics (DLs) such as DL2, fuzzy logics, and logics of the Lawvere quantale, to evaluate their tractability and numerical stability under MPC frameworks, with formal correctness guarantees.
• Developing novel multi-valued logics tailored for MPC if existing ones prove inadequate.
• Implementing and benchmarking neuro-symbolic models trained under secure MPC protocols.

The postdoc will:

• Conduct theoretical and empirical research on DLs and MPC.
• Develop prototype implementations using existing MPC frameworks or custom solutions.
• Collaborate across disciplines including cryptography, machine learning, logic, formal methods.
• Contribute to publications in top-tier venues and help shape a new research frontier.

We seek a candidate with:

• A PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in at least some of the following: machine learning, logic, cryptography and secure multi-party computation, formal verification.
• Experience with federated learning, differentiable programming, or symbolic AI is a plus.
• Proficiency with various programming languages such as Python, C++/Rust, functional languages.
• Experience with interactive theorem provers such as Rocq, Lean or Isabelle is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.

General information
The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a teaching and research-based university specializing in information technology (IT) and the opportunities it offers. The IT University has more than 160 full-time Faculty members. Research and teaching in information technology span all academic activities which involve computers including computer science, information and media sciences, humanities and social sciences, business impact and the commercialization of IT.

Research at the IT University of Copenhagen
Our research is organized through dynamic research groups, centers, hubs, and labs that promote collaboration across disciplines. These units explore complex challenges at the intersection of people, technology, and society, contributing both to fundamental insights and practical solutions. At ITU, we see research as a shared endeavor – open, critically engaged, and rooted in dialogue with academic communities, industry, and the public sector. We actively pursue international partnerships and networks, and our interdisciplinary approach ensures that our research not only advances knowledge but also generates impact beyond academia.

Teaching at the IT University of Copenhagen
ITU currently offers four BSc degrees, six MSc degrees and one professional master’s degree, spanning across these disciplines. ITU's education is extremely sought after and produces qualified graduates who are in high demand from the job market.

Working at the IT University
Located in modern architecture, a 6-minute metro ride from the center of Copenhagen, the IT University offers an informal working environment, a varied everyday life, and a highly motivated, innovative, skilled, and diverse international faculty, with PhD degrees from more than 20 different countries. The IT University is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself in actively pursuing an improved gender balance among students and among faculty.

Working in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a solid educational system, a rich cultural life, universal healthcare, good childcare, and well-functioning infrastructure. Copenhagen is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities according to the Economist Global Liveability Index. Living and working in Copenhagen will typically be a great experience for you and your family.

Salary and terms of employment
Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Taxation’s agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and job structure for academic staff at universities.

Qualification Requirements
The following qualifications are required:

• Candidates are required to have academic qualifications at PhD level

Application
The application and all other documents ought to be in English and must include:

• A motivated application (cover letter), including a detailed description of your qualifications and brief statements of research and teaching plans
• A full CV, including name, address, phone number, e-mail, previous and present employment and academic background
• Documentation of academic degrees (copy of degree certificates etc.)
• Relevant scientific publications or/and PhD thesis written by the applicant
• Documentation of pedagogical experience and teaching record within one or more of the teaching areas listed for the position

Applications without the above-mentioned required documents will not be assessed.

The applicant will be accessed according to the Appointment Order from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of 13 March 2012.

The IT University may use shortlisting in connection with the recruitment process. In case of shortlisting, the Chair of the hiring committee selects applicants for assessment in consultation with the hiring committee after the application deadline. All applicants are notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The shortlisting of candidates for assessment is based on the criteria in the job posting. 

Further information
Questions about the positions can be directed to  Associate professor, Alessandro Bruni, IT University of Copenhagen, brun@itu.dk
Questions related to the application procedure may be directed to HR, hr@itu.dk.

Application procedure
You can only apply for this position through our e-recruitment system. Apply by pressing the button "Apply for position" in the job announcement on our website.

The IT University might upon request in the interview process contact 1-2 references.

Application deadline: 6 November, at 23:59 CET

Applications/enclosures received at ITU after the application deadline will not be taken into consideration. If you submit an application, it is your responsibility to ensure that it arrives before the deadline so please allow sufficient time for upload of publications and other documents.

At The IT University of Copenhagen, we have an international environment and view diversity as a valuable resource. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive working environment for all our employees and encourage all qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation, or ethnic background to apply for the position.