Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Machine Learning for CoCreativity in Remote Operations

A Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is available at Simula Metropolitan Center for Digital Engineering (SimulaMet).

The position is part of MishMash Centre for AI and Creativity, which is a Norwegian AI centre funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) (2025-2030). It comprises more than 200 faculty members from many higher education institutions in Norway, in collaboration with numerous public and private sector partners. The primary objective of MishMash is to create, explore, and reflect on AI for, through, and in creative practices. MishMash researchers will investigate AI’s impact on creative processes, develop innovative CoCreative AI systems and educational strategies, and address AI’s ethical, cultural, legal, and societal implications in creative domains. See MishMash Centre for AI and Creativity | A Norwegian AI Centre funded by the Research Council of Norway (2025-2030) for more information.

This postdoctoral researcher position will be part of WP7 (AI for creative problem-solving) within MishMash, with the possibility of contributing also to other work packages. The postdoctoral researcher will cover the topics in WP7 related to the design of novel Machine Learning (ML)-based systems that will be integrated into creative problem-solving workflows while explicitly supporting human agency, user control, and individual expressive intent in remote operations, including both human-to-environment and human-to-human interactions requiring embodiment mediated through robotic or virtual avatars. This will incorporate adaptive ML methods designed to reinforce human empowerment through CoCreativity, as well as AI interfaces with transparent and interpretable ML components, to enhance user experience and enable accessible, accountable, and effective cocreative interactions that respect physical and operational constraints. Related application scenarios to consider include remote control centers and remote industrial collaboration, as well as creative problem-solving and performative scenarios that explore human agency, embodiment, and expression in mediated interaction. 

The appointed candidate is expected to collaborate across the multidisciplinary MishMash network and participate in all relevant MishMash activities, including engaging and collaborating with researchers from non-technical fields.

Research Statement

Applicants are required to prepare a (max) 2-page research statement providing a personal view about the main research questions they are interested in, their relevance to this position, as well as about the key theoretical and methodological approaches to be followed. Applicants are encouraged to propose research ideas that combine rigorous ML methods with creative, exploratory, or unconventional problem formulations.

More about the position

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. The successful candidate is expected to become part of the research environment of both MishMash and the SIGIPRO (Signal and Information Processing for Intelligent Systems) and HOST (Holistic Systems) Departments at SimulaMet. The purpose of a postdoctoral position is for the employee to develop a research profile and competence that qualifies them to apply for a Research Scientist or Associate Professor position. SimulaMet shall facilitate the acquisition of such competence during the employment period. A career plan shall be developed for the Postdoctoral Fellow, specifying the competencies the Postdoctoral Fellow should acquire. SimulaMet is responsible for following up on the career plan and ensuring that the Postdoctoral Fellow has access to career guidance throughout the postdoctoral term. The position may also provide other competencies relevant to the postdoctoral fellow's future career. In addition, for the professional career development of postdoctoral researchers, research stays abroad as well as presentation of the research findings at international/national conferences are facilitated and highly encouraged. In addition, training opportunities and support for writing grant proposals are also provided throughout the postdoc period.

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 SIGIPRO and HOST Departments offer deep expertise in the areas of ML, Data Science, Signal and Image Processing, Optimization, Multimodal data systems, Multimedia systems and networks, and Multi-agent systems.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to carry out research on continual ML methods to predict user intent and actions, as well as feedback received in remote operations (including both human-to-environment and human-to-human interactions), involving visual, haptic and audio sensory channels. Achieving high predictive accuracy is critical for supporting a sense of embodiment. To this end, we will leverage multimodal data sources, including brain–machine interface (BMI) signals, electromyography (EMG), and motion tracking data (e.g. motion capture, cameras). These signals will provide information about anticipated movement onset and the user’s cognitive state during interaction, as well as the environment, enabling the development of predictive ML models that can accurately anticipate and coordinate interaction elements, tracking also embodiment and creating a seamless user experience. This will in turn influence the control and modulation of the different sensory channels of the interaction. In addition, ML algorithms will be designed for learning and creating mappings between biosignals and auditory-visual-haptic outputs, exploring how physiological and motion data can be translated into adaptive joint visual-(spatial)-auditory-haptic representations. The developed methods will be implemented and tested in high-impact use cases within both safety-critical environments (e.g., remote operation centers) and performative contexts, enabling novel co-creative interfaces between humans, machines, and environments.

The Postdoctoral researcher 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. The appointed candidate is expected to actively contribute and participate in all relevant MishMash centre activities. 

Selection criteria 

We will consider candidates who have a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics or other related relevant discipline. The applicant is required to demonstrate how the degree corresponds to the profile of the post. Other required qualifications include:

• A strong background in machine learning, data science, multimodal signal processing, and optimization, proven by a high-quality publication record.  
• Previous experience in one or more of the following: neuroscience/neurotechnology, human motion capture, physiological sensing, robotic control, audio, video, haptics, and prediction methods. 
• Previous experience in both designing novel data-driven learning and control methods and applying them to real data, as proved by publicly released code and publications.
• Excellent software development skills demonstrated by previously released software packages, fluency in Python and/or Matlab.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and a record of previous talks at international conferences.
• Ambition to carry out interdisciplinary research and willingness to work as part of an international team.
• Sharing Simula’s core values: excellence, impact, curiosity, ambition and respect.

The doctoral dissertation must be (at least) submitted for evaluation by the application deadline. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.

In addition, we will also evaluate the following personal skills:

• Personal suitability and motivation for the position.
• Strong ability to work purposefully, systematically, and independently.
• Time management and ability to carry out tasks within the allotted time frame.
• Very good collaboration skills and an ability to join interdisciplinary academic communities.

The research statement will also be an important selection criterion based on: a) the candidate’s engagement with MishMash, WP7 in particular, and possibly other WPs, b) the awareness of the state-of-the-art in the areas mentioned above in the selection criteria, c) the suitability of their proposed methods for MishMash, and the innovativeness and scientific merit of their research ideas.

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 595 000.
• 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.
• Cover letter: outline your motivation for applying, relevant experience and qualifications, research interests and how/why you are qualified for the position.
• Transcripts from Bachelor, MS and PhD degrees.
• Contact information of three references including the main PhD supervisor. 
• Research statement (max. two pages).

Please note that all documents must be in English language. 

Applications with attachments must be submitted via SimulaMet’s recruitment system. 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 6, 2026

Applications will be screened continuously and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews on a rolling basis. 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.

If you have been funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) in a previous position, you cannot apply for this job. RCN funding can only be granted for one period.

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

SIMULA Metropolitan

WP7 Co-Leader in MishMash AI Center