PhD Position in Machine Learning for multi-sensory remote robotic avatars

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 testbeds.

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 researchers.

Job Description

Research 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 adaptation.

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, Italy).

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 Intelligence).

Selection criteria

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 include:

• 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 methods.
• Fluency in Python and/or MATLAB with a well-established background in programming, proved by relevant programming courses.
• 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 international team.
• Sharing Simula’s core values: impact, curiosity, ambition, respect, and excellence.

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 international team.

Simula offers

• Excellent opportunities for performing high-quality research, as part of a highly competent and motivated team of international researchers and engineers.
• An informal and inclusive international working environment.
• 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 conferences.

• Modern office facilities located in downtown 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 policy, etc.
• Relocation assistance: accommodation, visas, complimentary Norwegian language courses, etc.
• Administrative research support: e.g., quality assurance process for grant proposals (including RCN and EU programs).
• 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 efficiently.

Excellence and personal growth

We 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 researcher.
• 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 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 career 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 into 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.

Application

Interested 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 the position.
• Contact information of two references.

Please note that all documents must be in English language.

Application with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system, click "Go to application form". Applications submitted by email will not be considered.

Do not submit other certificates, articles, and the like unless specifically requested. If further documentation is wanted for assessment, you will be asked to submit it later.

Deadline: April 1st, 2026

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 right candidate.

General Information

About SimulaMet, Simula Research Laboratory and Norway

Simula is organised as a group of legal units which together perform Simula's activities in research, education and innovation. The name “Simula” often refers to this group of companies. SimulaMet is part of the Simula group, and performs high quality research in the fields of machine learning and data science, IT management and communication systems.

Simula Research Laboratory AS is a publicly owned research lab. Simula conducts Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research in the fields of scientific computing, machine learning, software engineering, communication systems, and cybersecurity. SimulaMet and Simula Research Laboratory are both located centrally in Oslo, Norway.

Simula's main objective is to create knowledge about fundamental scientific challenges that are of genuine value for society. This is achieved through high quality research, education of graduate students, industry collaboration, technology transfer, and commercialization. Since 2001, scientific evaluations conducted by the Research Council of Norway have repeatedly placed Simula at the forefront of international research in ICT. The most recent in-depth evaluation was published in 2025, grading our full range of research as excellent, ranking SIMULA the highest of all Norwegian research institutions regarding impact and publication quality (p14. in National EVALMIT report).

Simula appreciates diversity. We currently employ approximately 200 individuals from 35 countries and strive to create a family-friendly working environment. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourages women to apply

Simula has a close collaboration with leading universities in Norway and abroad, both in terms of research and education, and facilitates extended research stays abroad. Our Master's and PhD students conduct their research at Simula and attend courses and receive their degrees from university partners.

Norway is famous for its epic outdoor scenery, with wonderful fjords, gorgeous waterfalls and majestic mountain ranges. Moreover, Norway is a safe and peaceful country with a thriving economy, offering a high standard of living and all the benefits of a social-democratic welfare state, such as social security and universal public healthcare.

Learn more about Norway: Official travel guide to Norway

Simula: solving problems, making a difference.

Simula’s mission is to solve important and fundamental problems of science and engineering, with the main goal of improving society. We do this by concentrating on five select research areas in ICT and performing excellent research, by developing our people, and by spinning out applicable results into profitable startups.

Learn more about: working at Simula and careers at Simula

Simula uses Semac´s background check in our recruitment process.

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.

Employment for this position will be made according to the Security Act and the Act relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and any attachments are considered to be in conflict with these regulations will not qualify for this position.

Questions about the position

Baltasar Beferull-Lozano

Professor and Chief Research Scientist

Head of SIGIPRO Department

Director of National SURE-AI Centre

Simula Metropolitan