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 (Information and Communication Technology) and performing excellent research, by developing our people, and by spinning out applicable results into profitable startups. Learn more about: working at Simula and careers at Simula

PhD fellowship in deep learning and biophysical simulation for prediction of cardiac health outcomes available through the SUURPh international training programme

Simula Research Laboratory seeks applicants for a PhD position offered as part of a larger collaborative PhD programme between Simula, the University of Oslo (UiO), and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). The SUURPh (the Simula-UiO-UCSD Research and PhD training) programme, and more details can be found on the programme home page. You can read about ongoing SUURPh projects here. 

Job description

This PhD project focuses on computational approaches for monitoring and prognosis of single ventricle disorder and a detailed project description can be found here. The PhD project aims to complete an automated deep-learning-powered shape modeling pipeline for cardiac single ventricle disorders (SVD). This work will investigate the highly heterogeneous population of SVD patients, leveraging magnetic resonance datasets and advanced computational techniques. The project aims to train deep neural networks to learn diastolic and systolic myocardial material properties from measured cardiac shapes, motions and hemodynamics, and use them to compute end-diastolic (ED) and end-systolic (ES) stress and strain distributions. These outputs can lend needed insight into diverse phenotypes within the SVD populations, to ultimately assist with clinical prognostics and planning.

All SUURPh projects fall within the scope of computational biology and medicine. Thus, Simula is seeking motivated and independent students from a wide range of training backgrounds, but particularly with a strong working knowledge in applied mathematics, machine learning, and/or bioengineering to take up this doctoral fellowship.

The duration of SUURPh doctoral fellowships can be 3 or 4 years, and the time of initiation may vary but can begin as early as 1 September 2025. SUURPh fellows are enrolled as PhD students at the University of Oslo.As a SUURPh fellow at Simula, you will work closely with your primary SUURPh supervisors in Oslo and at UCSD, and undertake coursework and training related to computational biology and medicine. The majority of work will be focused on computational approaches to major questions in biology and medicine. As such, development of mathematical and computational techniques for analysing and reducing complex experimental data will be a common application for SUURPh fellows, as will be development of complex and sometimes large numerical simulations of biological or medical systems.

Teamwork is an important feature of the Simula working environment, and all SUURPh fellows will be expected to conduct themselves in an engaged and participatory way with their peers and colleagues at Simula.

An additional unique feature of the SUURPh programme is that SUURPh fellows will be required to conduct a portion of their doctoral research in San Diego. As such, all applicants should be prepared and eager to spend a portion of their degree (generally 6 months – 1 year) at UCSD.

It is strongly recommended that applicants have a strong background in programming and the mathematical/quantitative sciences. 

Beyond these general recommendations, the following requirements apply:

1. Completion of Masters in an appropriate field for the project of interest

2. Suitable academic performance in Masters and undergraduate coursework (grade minima: “C” average during BSc, “B” average during MSc, according to the Norwegian grading system).

3. Strong quantitative and analytical skills

4. Experience in developing software or analysis tools for biological or medical applications is an advantage

5. Good knowledge of the scientific field addressed by the project of interest is desirable6. Good communication and interpersonal skills are necessary

We offer:

• 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 NOK 536.200 
• Generous support for travel and opportunities to build international networks through research visits with UCSD and other universities, and funding to attend conferences.
• Numerous other benefits: access to a company cabin, sponsored social events, generous equipment budgets (e.g., computer, phone and subscription), subsidized canteen meals and 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.

Application requirements:

To apply for this SUURPh doctoral fellowship hosted at Simula you will need to provide: 

1. A cover letter summarising your background and motivation for this particular project.
2. Curriculum vitae, listing contact information, education, prior research experience and specific research project involvement, and any publication of conference contributions or scientific papers.
3. Copies of BSc and MSc diplomas and transcripts.
4. At least one letter of reference, and contact information (name, current position, relation to the candidate, phone and email) for up to 3 academic and research-oriented referees.
5. For non-native English speakers, proof of competency with English is required. Standardized test results or completion of a University degree in an English-speaking country is suitable.

Simula seeks to maintain strong representation of international and female researchers, which makes for a dynamic and well-balanced environment. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

The above documents should be combined into a single pdf document in the order listed above, and submitted via the link at the right side of the page – applications submitted by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 12 August, 2025.

We are accepting applications for these positions as of 28 May, 2025. Applications will be appraised on a continual basis, and should be submitted before 12 August 2025.

For more information please contact: Programme coordinator Dr. Kimberly McCabe (kimberly@simula.no).

Simula: solving problems, making a difference.

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.

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