PhD Research Fellow in machine learning

• English

When people who are committed come together to further knowledge, anything is possible.

The University of Agder combines the unique warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological and artistic expertise.

Would you like to work with us to create better solutions to our shared challenges?

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One to two 100% positions are available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Science as PhD Research Fellows in machine learning, affiliated to the Department of Information and Communication Technology , for a period of three years. The positions are located, at the present, at Campus Grimstad. The starting date is negotiable with the Faculty.

The positions are connected to the project “Democratic and Green AI with Tsetlin Machines” at the Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research . Recent research has brought increasingly accurate learning algorithms. However, the models are getting too complicated for humans to comprehend, and using historical and skewed training data can give unfair and discriminatory outcomes.  AI can further be expensive and wasteful if it relies on complex and resource-intensive methods. The environmental impact of traditional deep learning is very high. In this project, we aim to develop logic-based machine learning that provides a transparent and more efficient way to achieve the goals of AI. The Tsetlin machine introduces the concept of logical interpretable learning, where both the learned model and the learning process are easy to follow and explain. The combination of finite automata and logical rules is also particularly suited for cutting-edge hardware solutions. With this as the foundation, we aim to create a green and transparent alternative to deep learning.

Research topics for the PhD research fellows include, but are not limited to the following:

• Logical mechanisms for classification, auto-encoding, convolution, regression, transformer, and reinforcement learning.
• Logical generative AI.
• Fair and transparent logical models.
• Ultra-low energy solutions.

Applications from applicants who already hold a PhD will normally not be considered.

The candidate must hold a master’s degree in ICT, Computer Science, Electronics, or a similar/related field and document competence in areas relevant to the position. The candidate who is in the final stage of the master’s education within the relevant field may also be considered, given that a master’s degree is to be achieved before the enrollment of this position.

The ideal candidates will have expertise in the following areas:

• Machine learning
• Programming in Python, CUDA, and/or C/C++

Furthermore, the applicant must have strong academic credentials, written and spoken English proficiency, communication and teamwork skills.

International applicants who are not exempt from the English language requirements pursuant to the guidelines of the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT), must document this through one of the following tests with the stated results or better:

• TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum score of 600 for the Paper based Test (PBT), or 92 for the Internet-based Test (iBT)
• IELTS - International English Language Testing System, with the result of 6.5

A prerequisite for employment is that the candidate must be admitted to UiA’s PhD program of the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Specialisation in Information and Communication Technolog y within three months of appointment. More information about the programme and a complete list of admission requirements can be found here.

Further provisions relating to the positions as PhD Research Fellows can be found in the Regulations Concerning Terms and Conditions of Employment for the post of Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Research Fellow, Research Assistant and Resident .

Personal suitability, good teamwork skills, inventiveness, and a proactive approach, will be emphasized in the evaluation as well as relevant practical experience. The PhD Research Fellow will be expected to contribute to an active research community that promotes the personal and professional growth of the doctoral candidate. The position places great demands on the applicant’s capacity for independent goal-oriented work, ability to concentrate and attention to detail.  In return, we offer the opportunity to contribute to the strategic capabilities of a world-class research organization, along with intensive PhD supervision. You will collaborate with top scientists in your field and have excellent prospects for personal development in an innovative working environment for aspiring researchers.

• professional development in a large, exciting and socially influential organisation
• a positive, inclusive and diverse working environment
• modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers 
• membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

More about working at UiA .

The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, NOK 532 200 gross salary per year. A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions.

UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply for the position. 

The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology . Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions.

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process .

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.

The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) are to be sent electronically. Use the link "Apply for this job".

The following documentation must be uploaded electronically:

• Certificates with grades
• Master’s thesis
• References
• Academic work and R&D projects, as well as a list of these
• Project description with a maximum scope of x pages, including reference list. The outline should present and discuss possible research questions, theory perspectives, material, a progress plan, and methods within the given framework
• Any other relevant documentation

The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English.

Application deadline: 26.02.24

For questions about the position:

• Ole-Christoffer Granmo, mobile  +47 977 03 120, e-mail [email protected]

For questions about the application process:

• HR-adviser Linda H. Kristiansen, mobile +47 481 40 609, e-mail [email protected]

The University of Agder has more than 1500 employees and almost 14 000 students, making us one of Southern Norway's largest workplaces. Our dedicated staff engage in research, teaching and dissemination across a diverse range of fields.

fields. The university is located on two modern campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad.

26th February 2024

University of Agder

Grimstad

Scope

Fulltime (2 positions) Fulltime (%)

Temporary

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