Postdoctoral Researcher [UK-2026-TTT]
Last updated: 13th of January, 2026
Topos Institute is searching for a Postdoctoral Researcher working on applying type theory theory and practice of compositional conceptual modelling, based in Oxford, UK.
Summary
We are a non-profit research institute dedicated to realising a world where the systems that surround us benefit us all, so that society can better cooperate on critical issues — the climate crisis, pandemic responses, agricultural modelling, global access to education, and more — through interconnected systems that consider holistic impacts. We develop new tools for collective inquiry and modelling, enabled by a combination of novel foundational mathematics, open-source software engineering, and meaningful collaboration with domain specialists.
Our technical team draws on training in mathematics, computer science, chemistry, philosophy, and more. Collaboration and discussion are fundamental to our work culture, so we deeply value gathering in person at the office.
- Title: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Start date: 6th of January 2026 at the earliest; 23rd of February 2026 at the latest
- Location: Oxford, UK (in-person, but a transition period may be negotiated if desired)
- Employment type: Full-time (1.0FTE)
- Duration: 2 years, with potential for extension †
- Salary: £47,665–52,430
† This is a 2-year project, but with possibility for extension pending grant approval. Furthermore, while this position is a fixed-term, grant-funded postdoc, Topos UK is looking to grow our team. In the ideal case, we will work with the selected candidates to secure further funding and their promotion into a permanent staff scientist role.
Topos is committed to building a team with diverse perspectives and life experiences, so those with personal or professional backgrounds underrepresented at Topos are highly encouraged to apply.
Topos Research UK is a non-profit start-up in the UK (inc. 2024) with affiliated charity start-up Topos Institute in the US (inc. 2019). For more information, see topos.institute/legal.
About the position
This is a 2-year postdoc with the opportunity for promotion into a permanent staff scientist role. We will be laying the groundwork for a compositional modelling framework allowing for collaborative design and validation of models on the firm formal basis of type theory and category theory.
In this project, you will conduct research in type theory with our researcher David Jaz Myers. Our goal will be to develop and prototype a single, unified type theory in which one may describe a geometric theory and then work in the internal (Martin-Löf) type theory of that geometric theory’s classifying topos.
Responsibilities
Research in the area of theory type theory.
Writing papers on this research, and developing prototypes.
Collaboration with other mathematicians working in categorical systems theory, model checking, and categorical logic.
About you
Our ideal candidate has a background in type theory, and experience developing novel type theories and writing prototype implementations of them.
You should have or soon obtain a PhD in type theory or the theory of programming languages, or have made significant contributions to one of the areas of type theory, programming language theory, or computing science.
There is evidence to suggest that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in the job description. If this role speaks to you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you tick all the boxes.
Eligibility criteria
Due to grant details, the intended start date for this position is the 1st of February 2026, and it is an in-person role in Oxford, UK. However, we understand that moving to a new location takes time, and are offering the possibility of delaying the start to commence on any date up until the 23rd of February 2026. There is also a possibility to start work remotely. The funding will last for 2 full calendar years starting from the agreed upon start date, whenever it may be.
Topos will consider sponsoring a UK visa for a successful applicant. Please include details of your visa requirements (if any) in your application (e.g. in your cover letter).
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Us and you
We are dedicated to shaping the future of technology to ensure a more equitable and just world, and we believe that a technology that supports a healthy society can only be built by an organisation that supports its team members. As such, Topos is committed to ensuring that we clearly and compassionately negotiate your role and responsibilities while you’re at Topos, and then ensuring that you have the support that you need to fulfill that role.
Topos UK offers benefits including private health and dental insurance, 30 days paid holiday (plus public holidays), and a variable pension plan.
Application process
To apply for this position, please email uk-2026-ttt@topos.institute with the subject line “UK-2026-TTT” and two PDF attachments:
- a copy of your CV; and
- a cover letter including the contact details for two references who we can contact.
Your cover letter might describe your interest in the Topos Institute and this position, your professional experience, your future goals, your specific relevant experience, and your potential contribution to a diverse and inclusive environment at Topos. Please feel free also to convey any information about preferred names and pronouns.
Please note that we will not contact your references without first notifying you.
We will review applications on a rolling basis.
If you have any questions about the application, or the role in general, please email uk-2026-ttt@topos.institute.