PhD in Generative AI and Statistics: Coalescent-inspired Diffusion Models for Discrete Data University of Oslo in Norway

The University of Oslo, through Integreat – Norwegian Centre for Knowledge-driven Machine Learning, invites applications for a PhD position in Generative AI and Statistics, focusing on coalescent-inspired diffusion models for discrete data. This doctoral research fellowship is based at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of machine learning, statistics, probability, and statistical genetics. The successful candidate will develop new theory, algorithms, and scalable implementations, contributing to the advancement of generative modeling for discrete sequence data.

Integreat is a Centre of Excellence funded by the Research Council of Norway, with branches in Oslo (University of Oslo) and Tromsø (UiT The Arctic University of Norway). The Oslo branch hosts this position. Integreat’s mission is to develop ground-breaking methods and theories by integrating mathematical and computational cultures from statistics, logic, language technology, ethics, and machine learning. The centre draws on expertise from departments of Mathematics, Informatics, Philosophy, Biostatistics and Epidemiology, the Norwegian Computing Centre, and the ML group at UiT.

The PhD project aims to establish a novel, mathematically principled generative modeling framework for discrete sequence data by unifying diffusion-based generative modeling with coalescent theory from population genetics. The central innovation is to replace heuristic discrete denoising schemes with coalescent-inspired stochastic processes, leveraging the duality between forward allele-frequency diffusion and backward genealogical merging. The candidate will be positioned at the forefront of generative AI research, with opportunities to publish in top-tier venues in both machine learning and statistics.

The research environment is international and interdisciplinary, with co-supervision across statistics and machine learning. The position offers structured career development, mentoring, research mobility funds, and a supportive, inclusive academic community. Integreat is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, actively supporting work-life balance and welcoming applications from underrepresented groups in STEM.

Funding includes a competitive salary as PhD Research Fellow (NOK 550,800 - 595,000), pension agreement, welfare schemes, and full access to public health services. The fellowship period is three years, with a possible fourth year involving career-promoting work such as teaching or research assistance.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent in machine learning, statistics, mathematics, computer science, physics, or a closely related quantitative discipline, with a minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale). The degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS. Required skills include probability, linear algebra, statistical modeling, programming proficiency (Python, PyTorch/JAX), and fluent English communication. Candidates without a master’s degree have until 01.09.2026 to complete the final exam. Desired qualifications include Bayesian statistics, empirical Bayes, advanced probabilistic modeling, familiarity with stochastic processes, Transformer architectures, and diffusion models. Personal skills such as analytical ability, motivation for foundational research, independence, collaboration, persistence, creativity, and ambition for an academic career are essential.

To apply, submit your application via Jobbnorge, including a cover letter, CV, educational certificates, documentation of English proficiency (if applicable), publication list, and 2-3 references. Name documents as 'Document type - Surname - First name'. Foreign applicants should attach an explanation of their university's grading system. All documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language. The deadline for applications is 11th May 2026.

For further information, contact William Denault (Researcher) or Valeria Vitelli (Professor) at the University of Oslo. The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, offering a vibrant academic environment and comprehensive support for early-career researchers.