Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in remote robotic avatars embodied interactions

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in remote robotic avatars for embodied interactions

This position is part of the DRIVE project, funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) (2026‑2030), focusing on brain‑driven remote robotic avatars for remote collaborative physical work. The DRIVE project also involves the University of Oslo and the University of Texas at Austin, USA. The Postdoctoral Researcher will also participate in 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 (Mish Mash) led by the University of Oslo, both funded by the RCN (2025‑2030).

Simula Research Laboratory (Simula) is a leading Norwegian research institute with a strong track record of high‑quality research and international collaboration. Simula Met, a joint research centre owned by Simula and Oslo Metropolitan University, supports talent development through PhD and postdoctoral programmes and provides valuable research infrastructure, including the national HPC facility eX3 and network testbeds.

The postdoctoral researcher will work on machine learning (ML) algorithms for inference and control in embodied remote physical interactions mediated by robotic avatars. Key topics include:

• Design of novel continual online ML algorithms to predict forward human action and multimodal sensory feedback (visual, haptic) from the robotic avatar, ensuring cognitive consonance and perceptual thresholds.
• Cognition‑ and network‑aware multimodal feedback modulation and robotic control, studying how sensory feedback modulation and inter‑location of sensory channels affect cognitive processes and interaction dynamics.

Application scenarios include remote industrial collaboration, human agency, and embodiment in mediated interaction.

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics or a related discipline.
• Strong background in machine learning, data science, multimodal signal processing, robotic control and optimisation, proven by a high‑quality publication record.
• Experience in neuroscience/neurotechnology, haptics, human motion tracking, physiological sensing and prediction methods is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to design data‑driven learning and control methods applied to real data, with publicly released code and publications.
• Excellent software development skills (Python and/or Matlab) and fluency in English.
• Interdisciplinary research ambition and willingness to collaborate with an international team.
• Personal suitability and motivation, strong organisational and time‑management skills, and good collaboration abilities.

All applicants must submit a maximum 2‑page research statement outlining their research interests, relevance to the position, theoretical and methodological approaches, and potential contributions to DRIVE.

• High‑quality research opportunities within a motivated international team.
• Informal and inclusive work environment.
• Generous support for travel and international networking; conference funding.
• Modern office facilities in downtown Oslo.
• Competitive salary from NOK 595,000.
• Benefits: company cabin, social events, equipment budget, subsidised canteen meals, comprehensive travel/group life insurance.
• Relocation assistance: accommodation, visas, Norwegian language courses.
• Administrative research support and quality assurance for grant proposals.
• Work‑life balance and wellness initiatives.

• Creative autonomy and support for independent research.
• Comprehensive professional development: grant writing, public speaking and project management.
• Collaboration with world‑leading experts.
• Access to high‑performance computing, laboratories and software tools.
• Nordic work‑life balance and flexible arrangements.

Submit the following documents in English:

• Curriculum vitae with educational background, work experience, publications and talks.
• Cover letter outlining motivation, experience, qualifications and research interests.
• Transcripts of Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees.
• Contact information for three references, including the PhD supervisor.

Submit your application via the recruitment system (click "Go to application form").

Simula is an equal opportunity employer. Women and individuals from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Simula appreciates diversity and provides a family‑friendly work environment.