About the position
Position as PhD Research Fellow in Mathematics of Information available at the Department of Mathematics. The PhD position is a part of the machine learning program at dScience - Center for Computational and Data Science at the University of Oslo, see
The fellowship period is four (4) years, with three (3) years devoted to research education. The position entails a compulsory workload of 25% that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and research assistance.
Starting date no later than October 1, 2021.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
Job description
Deep learning (DL) is entering scientific computing with full force and has the potential to change both scientific computing and society in general. Yet DL has an Achilles heel. Current implementations can be highly unstable, meaning that a certain small perturbation to the input of a trained neural network can cause substantial change in its output. This phenomenon is both a nuisance and a major concern for the safety and robustness of DL-based systems in critical applications - such as healthcare - where reliable computations are essential. It also raises several questions. Why does this instability occur? Can it be prevented? And what does it mean for scientific computing, a field in which accuracy and stability are paramount?
In this project, we aim to investigate these questions focusing on linear inverse problems. Depending on the candidate’s interests and background, we will investigate these questions both from an empirical and/or theoretical perspective. Our group in Oslo has an active collaboration with the University of Cambridge (UK), and the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to visit Cambridge as a visiting researcher during the PhD.
Qualification requirements
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. 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.
- Master’s degree or equivalent in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or theoretical computer science.
- Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 15 August, 2021 to complete the final exam.
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
- English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:
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:
We offer
- Salary NOK 482 200 – 526 000 per year depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
- Attractive and a generous pension agreement
- Vibrant international academic environment
- 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 Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records
- Documentation of English proficiency
- 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 for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
According to the Norwegian Freedom of 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 appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.
The University of Oslo has an for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.
Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. We also want to have employees with diverse expertise, combinations of subjects, life experience and perspectives. We will make adjustments for employees who require this.
If there are qualified applicants with special needs, gaps in their CVs or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups to an interview.
Contact information
For further information please contact Professor Anders C. Hansen, e-mail: Logg inn for å se kontaktinformasjon, Dr. Vegard Antun, phone: Logg inn for å se kontaktinformasjon, e-mail: Logg inn for å se kontaktinformasjon or Senior Lecturer Øyvind Ryan, phone: Logg inn for å se kontaktinformasjon, e-mail: Logg inn for å se kontaktinformasjon
For technical questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Nina Holtan, e-mail: Logg inn for å se kontaktinformasjon, phone Logg inn for å se kontaktinformasjon.
