PhD candidate and Postdoctoral fellowships available in Scientific Computing
Deadline: 15.10.2021
Simula Research Laboratory AS
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 1-2 PhD candidates and/or postdoctoral fellows to join our research project Exciting times: Extreme modelling of excitable tissue (EMIx).
The successful candidate(s) will join the EMIx 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 EMIx research project is all about developing new mathematics, algorithms, and simulation tools in order to better understand the intricate interplay between brain cells and their local environment, and their role in health and disease. In EMIx, we will pursue an interdisciplinary approach targeting research questions in applied mathematics, scientific computing, and neuroscience via biophysical modelling and simulation driven by experimental data.
Our brains are composed of excitable tissue consisting of neurons, glial cells, and blood vessels. The cells communicate via electrical, chemical and mechanical signals, forming a unique interplay between ion and water movement, electrical activity, and volume changes. EMIx aims to establish mathematical and technological foundations for modelling and simulation of electrical, chemical and mechanical interplay between brain cells at unprecedented detail, allowing for cutting edge in-silico studies of brain signalling, volume balance and clearance.
More specifically, the EMIx team aims to:
Design high performance algorithms and technology for extreme scale simulations of excitable brain tissue represented by physiologically detailed reconstructions;
Use modelling and simulation to quantify and clarify the role of glial cell dynamics in brain efficiency and clearance, and their physiological relevance.
We are looking for candidates with a solid track record contributing to one (or both) of these aims.
The EMIx project is funded by the Research Council of Norway via the ground-breaking basic research programme FRIPRO.
We are looking for candidates either for a 3-year PhD candidate position or for 2-year postdoctoral fellowships (with the possibility of 1 or 2-year extensions). 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, starting from 491.200 NOK for PhD candidates and 543.500 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 cabins, BabyBonus arrangements, sponsored social events, generous equipment budgets (e.g., computer, phone and subscription), subsidized canteen meals and monthly bus pass, 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 of 01.10.2021, and a latest starting date of 01.04.2022. 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 EMIx project leader and Chief Research Scientist Marie E. Rognes (meg@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:
Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, with a cut-off date of October 15 2021.
Evaluation timeline:
We will evaluate applications on a rolling basis until October 15 2021. Applicants passing through to the first interviews (online) will be contacted before November 1 2021.
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.
If you have been funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) in a previous PostDoc position, you cannot apply for this job. RCN funding can only be granted for one PostDoc period.
