Postdoctoral Fellow in Autonomous navigation and AI-enabled maritime decision support

Simula Research Laboratory AS

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 the full range of research at Simula as “excellent”.

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Project and Job description

In the department of Validation Intelligence of Autonomous Systems at Simula, we are now seeking a Postdoctoral researcher to work on an EU project aimed at developing AI-based techniques for intelligent maritime decision support. The position will last for 2 years.

Today vessels are mainly “safety islands”, with only limited support from outside. Due to limitation in on-board computer power and the usage of satellite communication, the big majority of vessels today are not benefitting of advanced utilization of available digital information. At the same time, deep learning has shown prominent performance in the development of autonomous systems, enabling online learning and adapting to changes in dynamic uncertain environments. In this context, there is a potential for machine learning to advance autonomous navigation by developing a cognition-driven decision-making for ships, also known as the situational awareness support.

The Postdoctoral researcher in this project will work on the development of AI-based analysis tools for situational awareness in maritime navigation systems. This may include the development of AI techniques for detecting anomalies in traffic patterns, techniques for generating alerts/alarms for safety and performance violations, techniques for performing explainability analysis of AI architectures for situational awareness, and tools to support continuous validation of AI-based solutions for navigation.

Keywords

• Maritime
• Autonomous navigation
• Autonomous systems
• Situational awareness
• Machine learning
• Artificial intelligence
• Explainable AI

Candidate Profile

We are looking for interested candidates who:

• have a completed (before the position starts) PhD degree in Artificial Intelligence, or Software Engineering, or Computer Science with excellent grades.
• experience with machine learning frameworks, such as Keras, or TensorFlow or others.
• excellent level of spoken and written English, good interpersonal and communication skills, are curious and creative, and show the willingness to learn and work as part of an international team.
• knowledge of the maritime domain is an advantage.

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 Oslo.
• A competitive salary. Starting salary from NOK 535.200
• Numerous benefits: access to company cabin, 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.
• 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: 20 March 2021.

Preferred starting date is June 1, 2021.

Contact

Additional enquiries regarding the position can be addressed to [email protected]

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.

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