PhD fellowship in Computer science

Position

The faculty of technology, art and design at Oslo and Akershus University College has an opening (100%) for a PhD fellow at the Department of Computer Science. The appointment is for a term of 3 years with the possibility of 25% duties primarily associated with education tasks (4 years) (teaching, lab, supervision, etc.).

Research topic: Artificial intelligence based assistive technology for helping in the movement of blind and visually impaired.

Project description

The PhD fellow will work on topics focussed on designing and developing artificial intelligence based assistive technology, methods and solutions, intended primarily for blind and visually impaired populations to help in their safe movement indoor and outdoor. Such a technology could identify objects in front and their positions and inform the user about any change in the environment and alert him/her in various situations.  Universal design and accessibility aspects will be considered in the interface design and alert mechanism.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering or relevant field with 120ECTS or equivalent with an average grade of A (best grade) or B within a scale of A-E passing of grades, and Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering with an average grade of C or higher.
• Some knowledge/experience in machine learning and image processing. Experience with deep learning will be beneficial.
• High motivation for the research work described above.
• Experience in publishing academic works.
• Must be fluent in English, both spoken and written. 

Desired skills

• Proficiency in programming in Python and other languages such as C++.
• Knowledge of machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, SparkMlib, Scikit-learn, Keras will be beneficial.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, plan and direct own work, and goal-oriented.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.

Conditions

• The PhD position presupposes admission to a PhD programme approved by the Department of Computer Science.
• Final project plan shall be completed and approved within 3 months after being offered the position.

We offer

• a dynamic professional working environment with challenging tasks in an area of substantial development.
• a unique academic and research collaboration across different research groups.

• benefits such as flexible hours and welfare arrangements.
• more information on working at HiOA can be found here.

Expert committee

Applicants will be assessed by an expert committee. You must upload the following documents together with your online application by the final date for the application:

• Application letter, CV and copies of diplomas/certificates.
• Project proposal which indicates that the project will realistically lead to a doctoral degree within the three-year period. The proposal should include: research questions, theory and method, relevant knowledge within the research area, schedule for the educational and research plan, and it should not exceed 5 pages.
• Any publications you wish to be considered (maximum 3), as well as a full list of publications.
• Names and contact details of at least 2 references.
• Applicants from non-European countries where English is not the official language must present an official language test report. The following tests can be used as such documentation: TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). Minimum scores are:

                  TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (Internet-based test)

                  IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted)

Please apply electronically to this position by clicking on the button login and apply . All the documents must be in either English or a Scandinavian language. Any translations must be government authorised. Originals must be presented if you are invited for an interview. HiOA performs document inspections in order to give you as a candidate a proper evaluation and ensure fair competition.

Contact information

For further information about the fellowship, please contact Associate Professor Raju Shrestha (tel: +47-67238832, email: raju.shrestha@hioa.no).

For information about processing of applications or if you have any problem uploading documents, please contact HR advisor Mette Bjørtomt, e-mail:metteb@hioa.no.

Remuneration Salary is set in accordance with the Norwegian State Salary Scale, position code 1017 NOK 432 700-466 100. By law 2% of the salary is deducted as to the Norwegian State Pension Fund.

The position adheres to the Norwegian Government’s policy that the national labour force should to the greatest possible extent reflect the diversity of the population. Therefore, we encourage qualified candidates with immigrant background or reduced functional ability to apply for this position. HiOA is an IA (Inclusive Workplace) enterprise and operates in compliance with the Norwegian IA agreement.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) your name may be published on the public applicant list even if you have requested non-disclosure. You will in this case be contacted before your name is published.

Final date of application:                    30.01.2018

Ref. No:                                               17/08471