Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences has a vacancy for 1-2 positions as Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) invites applications for 1 - 2 full-time, permanent positions as Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) at the Faculty of Technology, Environmental and Social Sciences, Campus Bergen.

The position is part of the Department of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mathematical Sciences, which consists of more than 90 permanent academic staff and a vibrant environment of PhD and master's students. The department offers bachelor's, master's, and PhD programmes. The position is based in Bergen.

Computer science is a strategic research area at HVL, with strong research groups in software engineering, artificial intelligence and machine learning, sensor networks, and computational engineering. The AI/ML group collaborates widely with academia, industry, and the public sector.

We are looking for a candidate who is motivated to contribute to the continued development of our AI/ML research and educational activities. We especially encourage applications from young and aspiring researchers who wish to further develop their academic careers in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Artificial intelligence is an emerging institutional priority at HVL, with activities and initiatives taking shape across several faculties and academic units. The successful candidate will support this broader institutional strategy by contributing to AI-related efforts across the university and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between diverse academic communities.

Teaching is also an important part of the position. At HVL, good teaching means creating learning situations where students feel included, engaged, and able to connect theory with practical use. Professors are expected to contribute to developing courses, use teaching methods that support active learning, and ensure that students understand both the foundations and the real-world relevance of AI and machine learning. 

HVL offers strong support for early- and mid-career researchers through mentorship, collaborative projects, and opportunities to build independent research profiles.

Responsibilities and duties

The successful candidate will:

• Contribute to applied and interdisciplinary research in AI and software engineering.
• Take part in developing research groups and the PhD programme in computer science.
• Teach and supervise students at bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels.
• Participate in externally funded research projects and gradually develop skills in project acquisition.
• Contribute to curriculum development and educational innovation.
• Disseminate research results to academic and societal audiences.

Qualification requirements

The criteria for appointment to the position of Associate Professor are stated in Section 3‑6 of the Regulations to the Act on Universities and Colleges (https://lovdata.no/SF/forskrift/2024-06-28-1392).

Required qualifications:

• PhD in computer science or a closely related field, with research competence in AI, ML, or software engineering.
• Documented research activity and publications of high quality.
• Teaching or supervision experience at university level.
• Potential to contribute to externally funded research projects.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
   

Preferred qualifications:

• Postdoctoral experience or equivalent.
• Experience with interdisciplinary or applied research projects.
• Experience with international collaboration.
• Experience developing or delivering AI/ML or data science teaching.
• A clear and promising research trajectory.
• Demonstrated potential for independent research and project development.
• Experience with external funding—or clear motivation to develop this competence.

Language requirements
Teaching is conducted in Norwegian and English. Applicants who do not speak a Scandinavian language must reach B2-level Norwegian within three years. Excellent English proficiency is required.

Educational competence
Pedagogical competence must be documented. Applicants without formal qualifications must complete HVL's pedagogical training programme within two years.

For the position of Associate Professor, educational competence must be documented with a teaching portfolio and a pedagogical CV, in accordance with the Qualification Requirements for Educational Basic Competence for Appointment, Promotion and Transition at HVL - Western Norway University of Applied Science (https://www.hvl.no/om/sentrale-dokument/reglar/kvalifikasjonskrav-til-utdanningsfaglig-basiskompetanse-for-ansettelse-opprykk-og-overgang-ved-hvl/)s.

Personal qualities
We are seeking a colleague who:

• thrives in an inclusive and collaborative academic environment
• values teamwork, knowledge sharing, and educational engagement
• shows initiative, curiosity, and motivation to grow as a researcher
• contributes positively to a diverse and supportive workplace
   

Evaluation of applicants
Emphasis will be placed on:

• Research quality and relevance (past 5 years)
• Research potential and fit with the AI/ML group
• Pedagogical competence and teaching experience
• Potential to contribute to externally funded projects
• Personal suitability and communication skills

Application procedure:

Submit your application and CV by clicking the button labeled “Apply for this position" on this page.

Please note that applications will be assessed based on the information entered in www.jobbnorge.no at the application deadline. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all relevant attachments are uploaded before the deadline, including:

• Scientific works (up to 15 items)
• Complete publication list
• Certificates and diplomas
• Documentation of educational competence. For the position of Associate Professor, educational competence must be documented with a teaching portfolio and a pedagogical CV in accordance with the Qualification Requirements for Educational Basic Competence for Appointment, Promotion and Transition at HVL - Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (https://www.hvl.no/om/sentrale-dokument/reglar/kvalifikasjonskrav-til-utdanningsfaglig-basiskompetanse-for-ansettelse-opprykk-og-overgang-ved-hvl/).

If diplomas, transcripts, or other documentation are not in a Scandinavian language or English, the applicant must upload certified translations. If attachments exceed 25 MB, they must be compressed before uploading or provided as a link.

Applicants with a degree from a country other than Norway, need to attach a certified translation of the diploma and transcripts of grades to English or a Scandinavian language, in addition to the original documents, if the original is not in any of these languages. It is required that the applicant encloses a recognition document showing that their degree is equivalent to a Norwegian bachelor's degree, master's degree, or PhD. You can read more about applying for recognition of foreign higher education here. (https://hkdir.no/utdanning-fra-utlandet/jeg-har-utdanning-fra-utlandet/sok-godkjenning-av-hoyere-utdanning-bachelor-master-ph-d)

The Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) offers an automatic recognition document for certain degrees from selected countries. If the applicant's degree is covered by the automatic recognition, it will be sufficient to attach this document. Read more about automatic recognition here. (https://hkdir.no/utdanning-fra-utlandet/jeg-har-utdanning-fra-utlandet/sok-godkjenning-av-hoyere-utdanning-bachelor-master-ph-d/automatisk-godkjenning-et-raskere-alternativ)

As the HK-dir application process may take some time it is recommended to apply to HK-dir as soon as possible. If you have not received a recognition document from HK- dir within the  application deadline, please enclose documentation from HK-dir showing that they have received your application.

Applications are submitted electronically to the expert committee. Based on the committee's recommendation, selected applicants will be invited for an interview and a trial lecture.

Applications cannot be sent by email to individual staff members at the university college.

We offer:

• A strong, growing research environment
• Mentorship and support for academic career development
• Opportunities to build research projects and collaborations
• A workplace that values work-life balance
• Flexible working arrangements and excellent welfare benefits
• Opportunities for collaboration with external partners regionally, nationally, and internationally

The position of Associate Professor is remunerated according to the Norwegian State Salary Scale, in position code 1011 - Associate Professor. 

There is a compulsory 2 % deduction to the pension fund (see http://www.spk.no for more information). The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at any time.

General Information:

Please note that, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to be listed on the public applicant list. Applicants will be notified if such a request cannot be accommodated.

The state workforce should, as far as possible, reflect the diversity of the population. Therefore, it is a personnel policy objective to achieve a balanced age and gender composition and to recruit individuals with minority backgrounds, reduced functional ability, and gaps in their CV.

Inclusion, challenging norms, collaboration

Homepage (http://www.hvl.no)

With about 17,500 students, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest higher education institutions in Norway. A broad range of academic programmes are offered at Bachelor, Master and PhD levels, spread out on five campuses Førde, Sogndal, Bergen, Stord og Haugesund.

Our ambition is to build stronger and more solid academic and research environments that will interact nationally and internationally. The aim is to become a recognized actor on the international higher education arena. Increased international cooperation and engagement in externally funded projects will work towards this goal.

 

 The Faculty of Engineering and Science has approximately 370 employees and approximately 3,260 students. The faculty has a broad educational offer at both bachelor's and master's level in engineering and science, as well as PhD education in computer technology. The Mohns Center for Innovation and Regional Development researches innovation and offers master's education in innovation and entrepreneurship. The diving education offers a one-year vocational school education.

The main part of the faculty's activities are in Haugesund, Bergen, Sogndal and Førde, but we also offer decentralized education in Florø, Kristiansund and Stord.
The faculty's activities are internationally based and take place in close collaboration with regional companies, clusters, health trusts and the public sector, including other institutions in the university and college sector. This applies to research, development, innovation and not least education with student projects at all levels.