Research Assistant for Mathematics, Lean, and Artificial Intelligence

Posting Details

Position Information

Title Research Assistant for Mathematics, Lean, and Artificial Intelligence Position Description

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports

science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

We are seeking a motivated, dependable, and well-organized student to assist with an NSF-funded research project at the intersection of mathematics, computer science, formal verification, and artificial intelligence.

The research assistant will help with the formal verification of mathematical arguments and mathematical articles using Lean, a proof assistant that checks the correctness of mathematical proofs. The project will also make use of large language models (LLMs) and an AI-based mathematical reasoning system known as Aristotle to support the development and verification of formal mathematical proofs.

Previous experience with Lean is not required. The ideal candidate will have some programming experience, an interest in mathematics and/or computer science, strong organizational skills, and a willingness to learn new technologies.

Responsibilities

The student research assistant will:

• Assist with translating mathematical arguments and portions of mathematical articles into formally verified proofs.
• Learn and use the Lean proof assistant to write, test, and verify mathematical proofs.
• Use large language models and Aristotle as part of an AI-assisted mathematical research workflow.
• Write, modify, and debug computer programs and scripts.
• Use Python and, when necessary, learn other programming languages or computational tools relevant to the project.
• Develop scripts or simple computational tools to automate parts of the research workflow.
• Organize research files, mathematical formalizations, computational results, and documentation in a clear and consistent manner.
• Maintain accurate records of work completed, problems encountered, and next steps.
• Establish weekly goals and demonstrate consistent progress from week to week.
• Provide regular updates on completed work and ongoing challenges.
• Meet with the faculty supervisor as needed to discuss progress, technical issues, and future tasks.
• Work independently while also collaborating effectively when the project requires it.

This position provides an opportunity to participate in research in an emerging area connecting mathematics, artificial intelligence, and formal verification.

In this role, you will gain hands-on experience with:

• The Lean proof assistant
• AI-assisted mathematical reasoning
• Large language models
• Mathematical formalization
• Programming and scripting
• Research organization and documentation
• Automated and computer-verified mathematical proofs

Students are not expected to know all of these tools before beginning the position. The most important qualities are curiosity, reliability, persistence, organization, programming ability, and a willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants should:

• Have some prior programming experience, preferably with Python or another general-purpose programming language.
• Be able to write, modify, and troubleshoot computer scripts.
• Have an interest in mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, mathematical logic, or related fields.
• Be willing to learn Lean and other specialized research tools.
• Be organized and able to maintain clear records of ongoing work.
• Be dependable and consistent in completing assigned tasks.
• Be able to manage time effectively and make measurable progress on a weekly basis.
• Be persistent when working through mathematical or technical problems.
• Have strong attention to detail.
• Be able to work independently and take responsibility for assigned tasks.
• Communicate clearly about progress, questions, and difficulties.

Preferred Background

Coursework or experience in one or more of the following areas is helpful, but not required:

• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Mathematical proofs or mathematical reasoning
• Logic
• Python or another programming language
• Artificial intelligence or machine learning
• Formal methods
• Automated theorem proving
• Lean or another proof assistant

Eligibility requirements

Must be a Bridgewater State University undergraduate student registered for a minimum of six credits for the Fall 2026 semester.

Physical Demands Special Conditions for Eligibility

Please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is contingent upon completion of a successful background check. Bridgewater State University is an E-Verify employer.

EEO Statement

Bridgewater State University is an equal employment opportunity employer and considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hourly Rate $18.00

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number Stu06058P Open Date Close Date 10/31/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants

For additional information about this position or for a status update of your application, please contact:

Vignon Oussa

voussa@bridgew.edu

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Are you a Bridgewater State University undergraduate student enrolled in a degree program registered for at least six credits?

• Yes

• No

• • Are you a Bridgewater State University graduate student accepted into a graduate degree program?

• Yes

• No

• • Have you ever worked on campus before?

• Yes

• No

• • Please provide the days and hours you would be available to work. Hours must be outside of your scheduled class times.

(Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Class Schedule

Optional Documents