Postdoctoral Position in Foundations of Mathematical Optimization for Artificial Intelligence, SURE-AI
Deadline: 14.03.2026
Publisert
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 have repeatedly placed Simula at the forefront of international research in ICT. The most recent in-depth evaluation was published in 2025, grading our full range of research as excellent, ranking SIMULA the highest of all Norwegian research institutions regarding impact and publication quality (p14. in National EVALMIT report).
Simula collaborates closely 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.
Simula is a leading Norwegian research institute known for its excellence in cutting-edge ICT with a strong track record of top evaluations, active international collaborations, and success in significant funding initiatives, including European and National RCN grants. Simula is committed to supporting talent through a variety of PhD and postdoctoral programs and provides valuable research infrastructure, such as the national HPC facility, eX3.
Job Description
We are looking for a postdoctoral candidate who will be part of an interdisciplinary research environment. At Simula, the candidate will work in the research team led by Thomas M. Surowiec, which will include a PhD student working on similar topics and two international adjunct professors. A strong background in mathematics is essential.
The successful candidate is expected to carry out research on one or more of the following general focus areas:
Adaptivity and algorithmic fine-tuning techniques.
Large-scale numerical optimization algorithms for risk-averse training.
Quantitative stability and distributional robustness of stochastic programs.
Asymptotic behavior of predictive energy landscapes in dynamic environments.
Desired Skill Sets and Competencies criteria
We will consider candidates who have completed (or will have completed by June 2026) a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, or Physics. The successful candidate will have a solid theoretical foundation in one or more of the topics: Optimization, Real & Functional Analysis, Probability Theory or Numerical Analysis.
More specifically, we are looking for candidates with competency in at least one of the following areas and a willingness to learn the others:
Stochastic Algorithms & Adaptivity
Risk-Averse Optimization and Distributionally Robust Optimization
Quantitative Stability Analysis for Stochastic Programs
Variational Analysis
Proficiency in a high-level programming language (e.g., Python, Julia, C++).
About SURE-AI
The primary objective of SURE-AI is to create a new generation of algorithms for inference and decision-making by pushing the boundaries of computational techniques. Our researchers will drive a transformative leap toward efficient, transparent, and safe AI, addressing critical challenges in resource consumption, behavior unpredictability, and ethical alignment.
The center unites senior researchers from 19 Norwegian and 15 international institutions, working in close collaboration with industry and the public sector. Firmly committed to excellence in research and training as outlined here, we expect the candidate to actively contribute to SURE-AI’s work packages and innovation clusters, and engage in collaboration across the network.
Working at Simula
Excellent opportunities for performing high-quality research, as part of a highly competent and motivated team of international researchers and engineers.
A vibrant and inclusive international working environment (currently around 200 individuals from 35 countries).
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. A minimum salary point of NOK 595 000.
Numerous benefits: access to a company cabin, sponsored social events, generous equipment budgets (e.g., computer, phone and subscription), subsidized canteen meals, comprehensive travel/group life 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 are a priority, and we encourage them to make use of our flexible work arrangements to help balance their work and home lives efficiently.
Application
Interested applicants are requested to submit the following:
Curriculum vitae showing your educational background, work experience (in academic and/or industrial), a list of scientific publications and talks.
Transcripts for both Bachelor and Master’s degrees
Copy of your doctoral dissertation
A summary of your three most important publications and why you believe them to be relevant.
Cover letter (approximately 2 pages) outlining your motivation for applying, relevant experience and qualifications, research interests and how/why you are qualified for the position.
Contact information of at least two references.
Please note that all documents may be in English or Norwegian. Application with the requested attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system, click "Go to application form". Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
We strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance in science. We particularly welcome applications from women, who are currently underrepresented in this research field. We believe diverse teams drive innovation and lead to better research outcomes.
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview. Applications will be screened continuously and a decision will be made as soon as we find the right candidate.
Contact:
Dr. Thomas M. Surowiec, Chief Research Scientist, Deputy Director of SURE-AI
General Information
Six national research centers for Artificial Intelligence (AI) were launched in the Fall of 2025. Each of these centers will foster interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers to address both scientific and societal challenges, develop new technologies, understand the impact of AI, and drive innovation across both the business and public sectors. This initiative is established and financed through the government's significant investment in artificial intelligence over the next five years. SURE-AI is one of these six centers.
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 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.
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.
