About the position

One PhD Research Fellowship in machine learning is available at the Department of Technology Systems (ITS).

The PhD Fellowship period is 3 years and is devoted to carrying out a project entitled “Machine Learning for Perception and Control in Autonomous Systems”.

Starting date no later than 01.10.2019. No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

Job description

The PhD candidate will be part of the Section for Autonomous Systems and Sensor Technologies (AUTOSENS) at ITS, and collaborate closely with the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment (FFI). Both ITS and FFI are located in Oslo Science Park at Kjeller, which is amongst the largest research and development environments in Norway. ITS and FFI collaborate within the field of advanced autonomous systems.

Through previous and ongoing projects, a significant research effort has been devoted to autonomous vehicles for different environments such as unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), unmanned surface vessels (USV), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and swarm systems. This PhD project will contribute to the advancement of technology that can be used in the above platforms.

The main goal of the project is to develop more robust and accurate autonomy through data driven techniques, aiming for interpretable and trustable solutions. The tasks of the PhD candidate will include:

• Collection, pre-processing and annotation of data from sensor systems on the relevant autonomous platforms
• Develop and study machine learning/deep learning algorithms for automatic interpretation and understanding of sensor data and generating appropriate control actions. This will include both theoretical analysis and computer-based experiments
• Dissemination through scientific publications

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Robotics, Physics, Mathematics or similar.
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) should correspond to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system.
• Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 30 June, 2019 to complete the final exam
• The project will have close cooperation with FFI and can include technologies referred to in the Foreign Ministry's export control regulations, and the candidate must be able to obtain a security clearance

Desired qualifications:

• Ability to take initiative and come up with new ideas to solve theoretical and practical problems
• Experience with - and good knowledge of deep learning algorithms
• Good publication track record
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team
• Good communication skills
• Good programming skills in languages like C/C++, Python and/or similar

Grade requirements:

The norm is as follows:

• The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/application/application.html

We offer

• Salary NOK 449 400 – 505 800 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records and letters of recommendation
• Documentation of English proficiency
• Documentation of Scandinavian language proficiency equivalent to B2 level of the Bergenstest (this apply only if a Scandinavian language is not your native language)
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language). Applicants may be called in for an interview.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see:

http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

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.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

• Professor Paal E. Engelstad at ITS, email: paal.engelstad@its.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Officer Therese Ringvold, e-mail: therese.ringvold@mn.uio.no, phone: +47 22 85 16 06.

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