Stilling:

PhD Candidate in Machine Learning

Deadline: June 25, 2018

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is massively extending its efforts in education and research in the field of health technology. This strategic initiative builds on a long track record of collaboration between the Faculty of Science and Technology, the Faculty of Health Sciences, and the University Hospital of North Norway. Within this initiative, the interdisciplinary project “Data-Driven Health Technology – Knowledge from data for the best quality of life, and the law of new health technology” is strategically funded in order to support the Strategic Plan for UiT The Arctic University of Norway towards 2020 - Developing the High North.

This is a joint project across the Faculty of Science and Technology, the Faculty of Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Law. The objective is to research the next generation technology and law for data-driven health. The key challenge is to be able to extract actionable hidden knowledge from complex and heterogeneous health data sources, requiring development of novel machine learning algorithms as well as the handling of new ethical and legal issues.

The Department of Physics and Technology announces a vacant PhD Candidate position in the area of machine learning at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Faculty of Science and Technology, within the project “Data-Driven Health Technology”.

The appointment is for a period of four years. The nominal length of the PhD program is three years. The fourth year is used for teaching or other duties for the department. The duties are normally distributed evenly over the four years.

The Department of Physics and Technology consists of five research groups: (1) Earth Observation, (2) Energy and Climate, (3) Machine Learning, (4) Space Physics, and (5) Ultrasound, Microwaves and Optics. The department provides education on the Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels, and comprises 21 permanent scientific positions and a technical/administrative staff of 12 persons.

The position is attached to the UiT Machine Learning Group, which conducts basic and applied research, funded e.g. by the Research Council of Norway and by industry. The group consists of five permanent academic staffs and several postdocs and PhDs.

Further information about the position, the project and UiT is available by contacting:

The position’s field of research

We are seeking a PhD Fellow to take an active role in the group’s research on developing novel machine learning methodology for data-driven health for decision and diagnosis support, based on analysis of a variety of heterogeneous data from Electronic Health Records (EHRs). The project is conducted in a close collaboration with the University Hospital of North Norway, and in particular, the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery. Data sources may include free text, procedure and diagnosis codes, vital signs, imagery, etc. For image analysis, we are particularly seeking a candidate with background in deep learning and neural networks, such as e.g. convolutional neural networks and/or fully convolutional networks. Moreover, experience with theory and applications of such topics as e.g. kernel machines and information theoretic learning will be considered beneficial.

The role of the PhD Fellow

The PhD Fellow will be a part of the UiT Machine Learning Group. The fellow will engage in collaborative research with the other members of the group. Since the project is a part of the bigger strategic initiative Data-Driven Health Technology, the fellow is expected to contribute to interdisciplinary research within data-driven health as described above, and to interact with other project participants, including clinicians. The candidate will have teaching duties and may very likely be included in the teaching team for UiT’s new deep learning course.

Qualification requirements and assessment

The position requires a Master’s degree in physics, mathematics, statistics or machine learning. The suitable candidate should preferably have experience in neural networks for deep learning, as well as topics such as kernel machines, and/or information theoretic learning. Command of tools such as TensorFlow and/or Theano is considered a plus. A good background in machine learning, or related fields such as pattern recognition or computational statistics, is in any case required.

To gain admission to the PhD programme, you must have a grade average of C or better. Further information about requirements for admission to PhD studies is available here: https://uit.no/nt/phd

We are looking for an interested, active and highly motivated candidate, who likes to explore new technologies, is both independent thinking and also enjoys working in a collaboration with others. Good communication skills in English are necessary and documented fluency in English is required. Good oral and written command of a Scandinavian language is considered an advantage in connection to teaching duties.

During this assessment process, emphasis will be put on your potential for research as shown by the Master’s thesis and any other academic works. In addition, we may consider work experience or other activities of significance for the PhD studies. The assessment will emphasize motivation and personal suitability for the position.

Application

Your application must include:

  • CV and application letter
  • Diplomas and transcripts (diploma supplement)
  • Documentation of English language proficiency
  • References
  • Master’s thesis and any other academic works

Qualification with a Master’s degree is required before commencement in the position. If you are near completion of your Master’s degree, you may still apply and submit a draft version of the thesis and a statement from your supervisor or institution indicating when the degree will be obtained. You must document completion of your degree before commencement in the position.

All documentation has to be in English or a Scandinavian language. Submit the application electronically through Jobbnorge.

We offer

  • An interesting research project
  • A good academic environment with dedicated colleagues
  • Good career opportunities
  • A large degree of independence in work
  • Flexible working hours and a state collective pay agreement
  • Pension scheme through the state pension fund

The UiT campus is located near the centre of Tromsø, a vibrant city located in Northern Norway with approximately 75 000 inhabitants, surrounded by the stunning landscape of Northern Scandinavia. The location also offers ample opportunities for e.g., sighting aurora, hiking and skiing.

Terms of employment

Remuneration of PhD Candidate positions is in salary code 1017, and normally starts at salary grade 50 on the pay scale for Norwegian state employees corresponding to approx. 36 400 NOK/month in 2018. There is a 2 % deduction for contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. In addition, UiT pays 12 % directly to the Pension Fund on top of the salary.

UiT has good welfare arrangements for employees, including beneficial arrangements for pension, insurances and loans in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

You have to be qualified for and participate in our PhD study program. As many as possible should have the opportunity to undertake organized research training; thus, if you already hold a PhD or have equivalent competence, we will not appoint you to this position.

More information about moving to Norway: http://uit.no/mobility

General

We make the appointment in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway has HR policy objectives that emphasize diversity, and encourages all qualified applicants to apply regardless of their age, gender, functional ability and national or ethnic background. The university is an IW (Inclusive Workplace) enterprise, and we will emphasize making the necessary adaptations to the working conditions for employees with reduced functional ability.

We process personal data given in an application or CV in accordance with the Personal Data Act. You may request to not be registered on the public list of applicants, but the University may decide that your name will be made public. You will receive advance notification in the event of such publication.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Apply for position

Søknadsfrist: 25.06.2018

Web: www.uit.no

Kontakt: Professor Robert Jenssen

Telefon: +47 776 46493

E-post: robert.jenssen@uit.no

Kontakt 2: Associate Professor Stian Normann Anfinsen (Deputy Head of Department)

Telefon: +47 776 45173

E-post: stian.normann.anfinsen@uit.no

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