2-year Postdoc position in building Digital Twins for Sustainable Ships

Simula: solving problems, making a difference. Simula’s mission is to solve important and fundamental problems of science and engineering, with the main goal of improving society. We do this by concentrating on five select research areas in ICT and performing excellent research, by developing our people, and by spinning out applicable results into profitable startups.

Simula Research Laboratory AS is a publicly owned research lab located in Oslo, Norway. Simula conducts Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research in the fields of scientific computing, software engineering, communication systems, machine learning and cybersecurity. 

Simula's main objective is to create knowledge about fundamental scientific challenges that are of genuine value for society. This is achieved through high quality research, education of graduate students, industry collaboration, technology transfer, and commercialization. Since 2001, scientific evaluations conducted by the Research Council of Norway has repeatedly placed Simula at the forefront of international research in ICT. The most recent in-depth evaluation was published in 2017, grading our full range of research as excellent. 

Simula appreciates diversity. We currently employ approximately 200 individuals from 45 countries and strive to create a family-friendly working environment. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage women to apply.

Simula has a close collaboration with leading universities in Norway and abroad, both in terms of research and education, and facilitates extended research stays abroad. Our Master's and PhD students conduct their research at Simula, and attend courses and receive their degrees from university partners.

Norway is famous for its epic outdoor scenery, with wonderful fjords, gorgeous waterfalls and majestic mountain ranges. Moreover, Norway is a safe and peaceful country with a thriving economy, offering a high standard of living and all the benefits of a social-democratic welfare state, such as social security and universal public healthcare.

Learn more about Norway: Official travel guide to Norway

Project and Job description

We are looking for a Postdoctoral researcher to work on data-driven optimization of ship fuel consumption and voyage planning. The position will last for 2 years. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to green shipping and the reduction of greenhouse gass emissions in the world, as well as improving the safety and efficiency of the maritime sector. 

The position is funded by the project that is developing a machine-learning-based solution for optimizing the efficiency of vessel operations (fuel consumption, voyage planning). To this end, the Postdoctoral researcher will work on developing machine learning and digital twin modules of the solution for optimizing the energy usage of vessels. This will include preprocessing large amounts of data (sensor readings, noon reports, weather data), correlating multidimensional ship data and developing high-quality code. Hands-on experience with ML frameworks is therefore needed. A particular focus will be on the digital twin implementation for selected vessel modules.

The project offers a great opportunity for the postdoctoral fellow to work with top companies in the maritime industry, and to demonstrate both individual and teamwork skills.

Keywords

Machine learning (ML), deep learning, digital twin, Simula

Candidate Profile

We are looking for interested candidates who have:

• Completed (before the position starts) PhD degree in Artificial Intelligence, or Software Engineering, or Computer Science with excellent grades.
• Hands-on experience with machine learning frameworks, such as PyTorch, Keras, or TensorFlow or others.
• Experience with Digital Twins.
• Experience with ship-related data (noon reports, onboard sensor readings) is a bonus.
• Ability to work independently but also as part of a team.
• Excellent level of spoken and written English, good interpersonal and communication skills, curiosity and creativity, and willingness to learn and work as part of an international team.

Simula is an equal opportunity employer and women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Simula Offers

• Excellent opportunities for performing high quality research, as part of a highly competent and motivated team of international researchers and engineers.
• An informal and inclusive international working environment.
• Generous support for travel and opportunities to build international networks, through established collaboration with industry, exchange programs and research visits with other universities, and funding to attend conferences.
• Modern office facilities located in downtown Oslo.
• A competitive salary (starting salary from NOK 575 400 to NOK 657 300).
• Numerous benefits: access to company cabin, sponsored social events, generous equipment budgets (e.g., computer, phone and subscription), subsidized canteen meals, comprehensive travel/health insurance policy, etc.
• Relocation assistance: accommodation, visas, complimentary Norwegian language courses, etc.
• Administrative research support: e.g., quality assurance process for grant proposals (including RCN and EU programs).
• Wellness and work-life balance. Our employees’ health and well-being is a priority and we encourage them to make use of our flexible work arrangements to help balance their work and home lives efficiently. 

Application Requirements

Interested applicants are requested to submit the following:

• Curriculum vitae: Summarize your educational background, working experience (in particular, any relevant academic or industrial work), list of scientific publications, etc.
• Cover letter: Outline your motivation for applying, relevant experience and qualifications, research interests and how/why you are qualified for the position.
• Contact information of two references, including the PhD supervisor(s).

Application deadline: 15 October 2024. 

Applications will be continuously screened and the position will be filled as soon as the suitable candidate has been found.

Contact

Additional enquiries regarding the position can be addressed to:

• Duscia Marijan, dusica@simula.no 

Simula Research Laboratory uses background checks in our recruitment process.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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.

Employment for this position will be made according to the act relating to Control of the export of strategic goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and any attachments are considered to be in conflict with the export control regulations will not qualify for this position.

If you have been funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) in a previous position, you cannot apply for this job. RCN funding can only be granted for one period.

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