Postdoctoral Research Fellow Trustworthy Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Algorithms - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The department of Computer Science offers three bachelor’s degree programmes and a master’s degree programme, in addition to research and development activities. The department has approximately 1500 students and consists of 60 staff members.

There are currently several research groups at the Department. 

Job Description

A temporary Postdoctoral Fellow position in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is offered for the period of 2 years, with a possible extension, in the Department of Computer Science at Oslo Metropolitan University.

The candidate will be affiliated to the Department of Computer Science and to the OsloMet/SimulaMet AI Lab, working within the Excellent Academic Environment, NordSTAR Nordic Center for Sustainable and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Research, which is hosted by OsloMet and includes partners from several research centres and universities in Norway, such as Simula Research Laboratory and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

Modern AI can document impressive results and even outperform human beings on many tasks. The methods are however also associated with many challenges that limit the trust when the methods are applied. NordSTAR aims to improve trustworthiness in AI methods by addressing four challenges. 1) It is usually hard to understand the mechanism in complex AI methods leading to the predictions, 2) there are important human factors in the application of AI, both legally and ethically, 3)  the methods usually are not able to quantify how certain they are about their decisions, 4) running large and complex machine learning systems opens up security issues.

NordSTAR is composed by 5 main research areas:

• Understandable and explainable models (led by Hugo Hammer)
• Human Factors in AI (led by Elena Parmiggiani)
• Security, safety and reliability (led by Ahmed Elmokashfi)
• Biologically inspired computational systems (led by Stefano Nichele)
• Quantum AI (led by Sergiy Denysov)
   

The candidate’s project will intersect some of NordSTAR’s challenges, focusing on developing methodology to address problems of Explainable AI and Machine Learning. Preference will be given to projects bridging Explainable AI and Machine Learning with one or more of the following topics:

• User, autonomy and engagement in AI Systems
• Human-AI interaction
• Governance fairness and law
• Industry, Growth and Outreach
• Communication integrity
• Testing and verification of communications within distributed AI systems
• Safety of reinforcement learning
• Safety protocols in robotics
• Methods from neuroscience and complex systems to interpret behavior and learning  of artificial agents
• Modern data collection techniques for recording of high-resolution brain signals and data-driven approaches to pattern recognition
• Models of structure and function of biological neural networks
• Unconventional substrates for implementation of AI models

Main duties of the position

• Research on AI and in particular explainable AI and uncertainty quantification
• Conduct experiments using machine learning techniques
• Disseminate the projects results and outcome through appropriate channels
• Help administrative requirements as a project partner

Qualification requirements

• PhD degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics or other related fields.To be eligible for this position, you must have completed your PhD no later than when decision on hiring is made.
• Experience in one or more of the following topics:
  • Machine Learning
  • Deep Learning
  • Explainable AI
  • Computational statistical methods
• Strong background in programming
• Ability to conduct independent research
• Ability to work interdisciplinary
• Collaborative with good communications skills
• Proficiency in written and spoken English

It is important for OsloMet to reflect the population of our region, and all qualified candidates are welcome to apply. We make active efforts to further develop as an inclusive workplace and to adapt the workplace if required.

Expert evaluation

An expert committee will assess applicants. You must upload the following documents together with your application by the final date for applications:

• Cover letter
• Research statement summarizing candidate’s main research ideas, motivation and background (max. 2 pages).
• CV, references and all pages of certificates/diplomas
• A full list of scientific publications
• Full texts of the 5 most relevant publications and a summary of your PhD thesis

You must upload all of these documents. Original documents and valid passport must be presented if you are invited for an interview. OsloMet performs document inspections in order to give you as a candidate a proper evaluation and ensure fair competition.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

We can offer you

• An exciting job opportunity at Norway’s third largest and most urban university
• Opportunity to be a part of a dynamic professional environment and unique academic network
• Beneficial pension arrangements with the Norwegian State Pension Fund
• Good employee welfare arrangements
• Free Norwegian language classes to employees and their partners
• Relocation support, cultural courses and on boarding services
• Working location in downtown Oslo with multiple cultural offers

For information on living and working in Oslo please read here.

Other information

If you would like more information about the position, feel free to contact the directors of NordSTAR:

• Prof. Anis Yazidi, anis.yazidi@oslomet.no
• Prof. Pedro Lind, pedro.lind@oslomet.no

If you have technical questions about uploading the application, please contact the HR Department, HRTKD@oslomet.no

The position is remunerated in accordance with the Norwegian State salary scale Post doctor 1352. The salary is NOK 532 200 – 694 400 per year, pay level 60-74.

If you wish to apply for the position, please do so via our application portal.

All applications must be submitted in English.

Deadline for applications: 15.04.2020

Tentative date of interview: May 2020