Simula Research Laboratory AS is a publicly owned research laboratory located in Oslo, Norway. Simula’s mission is to solve important and fundamental problems of science and engineering, with the main goal of benefiting and advancing society. We focus on performing excellent research within five select research areas (scientific computing, software engineering, communication systems, machine learning and cybersecurity), developing and supporting our researchers, students and staff, and spinning out applicable results into profitable startups.

PhD candidate and Postdoctoral fellowships available in Scientific Computing at Simula Research Laboratory

Job description:

In the Department for Scientific Computing and Numerical Analysis at Simula, we now have an opening for 2-4PhD candidates and/or Postdoctoral fellows to join our research project

aCleanBrain - BRAIN FLUIDS - TRANSPORT AND CLEARANCE. 

The successful candidates will join the aCleanBrain core research team consisting of several other PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, senior researchers as well as national and international collaborators, and become an integral part of the large, vibrant and open research environment within scientific computing, applied mathematics and computational physiology at Simula. 

The aCleanBrain research project is all about developing new mathematics, algorithms, and software tools in order to better understand the process of brain clearance, in particular during sleep. This project is a highly interdisciplinary project involving collaborations with medical experts, scientific software development, the use of both traditional simulation methods such as finite element methods as well as machine learning in order to answer deep questions of basic brain functions. The research questions require deep mathematics in terms of novel numerical analysis, advanced scientific software development, and new models of the physics of brain fluids. While a PhD candidate or postdoctoral fellow do not need deep competence in all aspects, such a modeling challenge can only by a team with members of different expertise. 

Scientific breakthroughs in neuroscience attempt to explain the need for sleep and the develop- ment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases in terms of fluid dynamics: the waste created during the day is cleared away as we sleep or it accumulates. However, a decade of research after the original theory was posed has revealed that the underlying physical mechanisms are still not understood and that advanced mathematical tools are needed. 

In this project we propose a research program addressing

1. new fluid dynamics mechanisms
2. novel numerical analysis for advanced multi-physics brain simulations
3. a framework for patient-specific simulations. 

We will exploit reduced order and machine learning methods in addition to finite element solutions. With successful delivery, aCleanBrain will establish the main drivers of brain fluid dynamics, provide a foundation for accurate, efficient and robust algorithms for multi-physics problems and develop a software framework for advanced biomechanical brain simulations.

We are looking for candidates with a solid track record contributing to one (or more) of these aims.

The aCleanBrain project is funded by the ERC advanced grant funding scheme.

Keywords:

PhD, postdoctoral fellow, scientific computing, simulation, HPC, neuroscience, Simula

Candidate profile:

We are looking for candidates either for a 3-year PhD candidate position or for 2-year postdoctoral fellowships (with the possibility of 1 year extension). Candidates should have a solid background in applied mathematics, scientific computing, computational science, bioengineering or related fields, and an interest in contributing to neuroscience. For one of these positions, we are especially interested in candidates with a strong interest in high performance computing and in pushing the limits for what is feasible in terms of simulations.

Successful candidates should have the following qualifications:

• A theoretical and/or computational background in applied mathematics, scientific computing, computational life science or bioengineering with knowledge of numerical methods for differential equations;
• A strong track record (commensurable by career level) including excellent academic results;
• Strong programming skills as well as experience with high-level languages (such as Python, Matlab or Julia).
• Documented knowledge of brain physiology or an interest in studying, learning and discussing this subject.
• For postdoctoral fellowship applications, we expect a solid track record of research including high quality scientific publications. 

Simula offers:

• An excellent environment and outstanding opportunities for performing high quality research as part of a highly competent, motivated and enthusiastic team of researchers and engineers.
• An informal and inclusive international working environment
• Brand new office facilities located in the heart of Oslo with an extensive public transport network within a few minutes walk and a vibrant city life right outside the office door steps. 
• A competitive salary, with a starting range of 532.200 NOK for PhD candidates and 575.400 NOK for postdoctoral fellows. 
• Generous support for travel and opportunities to build international networks, through established collaborations with industry, exchange programs and research visits with other universities, and funding to attend conferences.
• Numerous other 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 Simula’s flexible work arrangements to help balance their work and home lives efficiently.

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

Starting dates:

The starting date for these positions is flexible with an earliest starting date as soon as possible and a latest starting date of December, 2024.

 To qualify for a PhD candidate position, candidates must have successfully completed their MSc degree before the starting date. To qualify for a postdoctoral position, candidates must have successfully completed their PhD degree by no more than 6 months after the starting date. If you are interested in applying for either of these positions but with a later timeline, please contact aCleanBrain project leader Kent-Andre Mardal (kent-and@simula.no) directly. 

Application requirements:

Interested applicants are requested to submit the following:

• Cover letter (max 2 pages): outline your motivation for applying, relevant experience and qualifications, research interests and how/why you are qualified for the position;
• Curriculum vitae: summarize your educational background, working experience (in particular, any relevant academic or industrial work), list of scientific publications if any, language skills etc;
• All relevant diplomas and transcripts from Bachelor and Master degrees (if applying for a PhD position), and PhD degree (if applying for a postdoctoral fellowship);
• A list of up to two references with contact information.

Application deadline:  Sept 1, 2024.

 Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, and the preferred start date is as soon as possible. 

Evaluation timeline: 

We will evaluate applications on a rolling basis until Sept 1 2024. Applicants passing through to the first interviews (online) will be contacted before Oct 1 2024. 

Simula Research Laboratory uses Semac´s background check 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.

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