Job description

One position as a researcher is available at the Robotics and Intelligent Systems (ROBIN) group at the Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Norway (among Norway’s largest university department for education and research in Computer Science and related topics), as a part of the Research Council of Norway funded project Vulnerability in the Robot Society (VIROS, 2019-2023). The goal of the fellowship is to develop knowledge about and technology for reducing vulnerabilities regarding robotics. The focus will be on privacy, security and safety, particularly in healthcare contexts.

he position is for a period of three years.

Starting date preferably no later than August 2020.

More about the position

The Robotics and Intelligent Systems research group focus on adaptive systems research, often including biologically inspired methods. We target to apply these methods within robotics and embedded systems for real-world applications. We are also interested in studying human and robotic motion using motion capture analysis and apply this knowledge in designing adaptive robotic or computing systems.

The VIROS project is a cross-disciplinary collaboration between the Department of Private Law and the Department of Informatics at the University of Oslo and some other departments and partners. Its aims at developing technology and proposals for regulatory measures to reduce vulnerabilities regarding robotics. The research in the position will, to some extent depend on the candidate with a focus on technology for sensing, design and control within robotics being relevant with regards to reducing vulnerabilities within healthcare contexts. Transparent and explainable systems can also be relevant.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition is to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in computer science including robotics and machine learning/artificial intelligence. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defence are eligible for appointment.
• Applicants should have knowledge and experience in programming, robotics and machine learning/artificial intelligence.
• Moreover, knowledge in the fields of motion tracking and analysis, human–robot interaction, sensor data analysis, rapid prototyping, simulation, and/or behaviour modelling would be an advantage.
• The applicant is required to document in the application letter in what way the past education and experience match the profile for the post. Thus, in the application letter, please briefly describe your motivation for the position and the relevance of the Master/PhD thesis work and other project work relevant for the position.
• Applicants for the position should have scientific publications relevant to this position, and both their quantity and quality (impact of the journal(s) and conference(s)) would be important selection criteria.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Personal skills

• A number of partners are involved in the project, so collaboration skills would also be assessed.

We offer

• salary NOK 523 200 – 640 200 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• vibrant international academic environment
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter (statement of motivation and relevance for the position by summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• Research outline, including relevant research questions and theoretical and methodological approaches (approximately 2-3 pages, see template for research outline)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, academic work – list of scientific publications, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• The most relevant and important publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee (maximum five)
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

• Jim Tørresen, phone: +47 22852454, e-mail: jimtoer@ifi.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Torunn Standal Guttormsen, phone: +4722824272,e-mail: t.s.guttormsen@mn.uio.no

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