PhD Research Fellowship in Machine Learning for Intelligent Systems

1 PhD Research Fellowship is available at the Simula Metropolitan Center for Digital Engineering (SimulaMet), within the Department of Signal and Information Processing for Intelligent Systems (SIGIPRO), for a highly-motivated and self-driven PhD student with strong intellectual curiosity and interest in research.

This position is part of the DRIVE project, funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) (2026-2030), focusing on brain-driven multi-sensory robotic avatars for remote collaborative physical work. The DRIVE project also involves the University of Oslo and University of Texas at Austin, USA, as partners. In addition, this PhD candidate will be able to participate and exploit synergies with the National AI Centre Sustainable, Risk-averse and Ethical AI (SURE-AI), led by Simula, and the National AI Centre for AI and Creativity (MishMash), led by University of Oslo, both funded by the RCN (2025-2030)

.
Simula Research Laboratory (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 successful in significant funding initiatives, including European and National RCN grants. SimulaMet is a research centre jointly owned by Simula and Oslo Metropolitan University. It is the home of Simula’s research activities on networks and communications, artificial intelligence and IT management, and it is OsloMet’s strategic partner in digital engineering. SimulaMet supports talent development through PhD and postdoctoral programs and provides also valuable research infrastructure, such as the national HPC facility, eX3, and network testbed

s.
The PhD student will join a research environment that is firmly committed to excellence (see section below for excellence and personal growth) in both cutting-edge research and training of outstanding young researche

rs.
Job Descrip

tionResearch activities will focus on the design of novel continual online Machine Learning (ML) algorithms in the context of embodied physical interactions mediated by remote robotic avatars. The main goal is to build models that can predict accurately both forward human action and multimodal sensory (visual, haptic) feedback (from the robotic avatar) to guarantee cognitive consonance so that spatial or temporal discrepancies between humans are within their tolerable perceptual thresholds. These models will learn a representation that integrates: a) Electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain anticipatory potentials to constrain timing and spatial direction of upcoming operator’s action, and brain Error potentials to detect mispredictions; b) motion tracking sensors, such as Electromyography (EMG) being and motion capture sensors; c) robotic avatar actions; and d) multimodal sensory feedback through the robotic controllers. These robotic controllers will also exploit these prediction models to plan state-action sequences, disruption anticipation and adaptat

ion.
We are looking for a PhD student who will be part of an interdisciplinary research environment with both national (University of Oslo) and international collaborators (University of Texas at Austin, USA, and Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, It

aly).
The position is available for a period of 3 years. Given the availability of additional funding and a good match with the SimulaMet needs, the position may be extended to a maximum of 4 years, including other duties and/or research stays. In particular, research stays will be promoted at University of Texas at Austin (Clinical Neuroprosthetics and Brain Interaction Lab), and Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies (Institute of Mechanical Intellig

ence).
Selection cr

iteria We will consider candidates who have a BS and MS degree (both) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Applied Mathematics. data science/machine learning, signal processing, and applied mathematics. Other required qualifications i

• nclude:A strong background in machine learning, data science, signal processing, and optimization, proved by excellent
• grades.Previous experience in one or more of the following is a plus but not required: neuroscience/neurotechnology, robotic control, human motion capture, physiological sensing, haptics, and prediction m
• ethods.Fluency in Python and/or MATLAB with a well-established background in programming, proved by relevant programming c
• ourses.An average GPA of at least B in BS, and A
• in MS.Ambition to carry out interdisciplinary research and willingness to work as part of an internationa

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• l team.Sharing Simula’s core values: impact, curiosity, ambition, respect, and exce

llence.
Previous experience in one or more of the following will be a plus: neuroscience/neurotechnology, haptics, robotic control, human motion tracking, physiological sensing and prediction

methods.All candidates will also have to demonstrate an excellent level of spoken and written English, possess good interpersonal and communication skills and show willingness to work as part of an internation

al team.
Simu

• la offersExcellent opportunities for performing high-quality research, as part of a highly competent and motivated team of international researchers and e
• ngineers.An informal and inclusive international working env
• ironment.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 con
• ferences.Modern office facilities located in downt
• own Oslo.A competitive salary. Starting salary from NOK
• 550 800.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 pol
• icy, etc.Relocation assistance: accommodation, visas, complimentary Norwegian language cour
• ses, etc.Administrative research support: e.g., quality assurance process for grant proposals (including RCN and EU p
• rograms).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 eff

iciently.
Excellence and perso

nal growthWe target excellence research and high-impact results, which we think are the product of a supportive and inclusive environment where the ambition of the researcher is matched by our commitment to success. When joining our teams, the researcher is stepping into an environment and a partnership designed to help them grow, by

• promoting:Creative Autonomy: We value your motivation to make a difference. You will be encouraged to move beyond following instructions to shaping your own original research ideas. Our goal is to guide you through this process, helping you evolve from a collaborative team member into a confident and successful independent r
• esearcher.Comprehensive Professional Development: Your growth extends beyond technical expertise. We provide dedicated opportunities to develop vital skills—including grant writing, public speaking (research, industry and outreach forums), and project management—ensuring you are fully prepared for a leadership career in either academia or

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• industry.World-Class Collaboration: You will not be working alone. You will collaborate closely with world-leading experts who are eager to refine your ideas and help you navigate your ca
• reer path.State-of-the-Art Resources: We provide access to advanced high-performance computational power, laboratories, and software tools necessary to turn your research vision int
• o reality.A Healthy Balance: We champion the Nordic model of work-life balance. We offer flexible working arrangements and a supportive social atmosphere, ensuring you have the time and energy to stay

inspired.

ApplicationInterested applicants are requested to submit the

• following:Curriculum vitae showing your educational background, working experience (in particular, any relevant academic or industrial work), a list of scientific publications
• and talks.Transcripts for both Bachelor and
• MS degrees.Cover letter outlining your motivation for applying, relevant experience and qualifications, research interests and how/why you are qualified for th
• e position.Contact information of three

references.
Please note that all documents must be in English language. Application with the requested attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system. Applications submitted by email will not be

considered.
Deadline: Ap

ril 1st, 2026
Contact person: Baltasar Beferull-Lozano (balta

sar@simula.no)
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 r

ight candidate.
For information about SimulaMet, Simula Research Laboratory and Norway, please check out the fu