PhD Research Fellow in Vision-Language Models in Remote Sensing University of Agder (UiA) in Norway

The University of Agder (UiA) invites applications for a three-year, fully funded PhD Research Fellow position in Vision-Language Models in Remote Sensing, based at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Information and Communication Technology, Campus Grimstad, Norway. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of computer vision, natural language processing, and remote sensing, focusing on the development and application of vision-language models (VLMs) for semantic understanding of remote sensing data.

Vision-language models are transforming the way images are interpreted, enabling tasks such as image captioning, text-based image retrieval, and visual question answering. Their application in remote sensing is a rapidly growing field, with significant potential for advancing semantic understanding of objects and relationships in satellite, aerial, hyperspectral, SAR, and LiDAR data. The successful candidate will work on research topics including, but not limited to, vision-language models, multimodal AI, transformers, image segmentation, object detection, scene understanding, computer vision, natural language processing, machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and large language models. Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow is essential.

The ideal applicant will have a master’s degree in Information and Communication Technology, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or a related field. Candidates in the final stage of their master’s may also be considered, provided the degree is completed before enrollment. Strong academic credentials and documented competence in relevant areas are required. Prior publications or research experience in AI, remote sensing, or multimodal learning are advantageous. Written and spoken English proficiency is mandatory, and international candidates must provide TOEFL (minimum 600 PBT or 92 iBT) or IELTS (minimum 6.5) scores unless exempt under NOKUT guidelines.

UiA offers professional development in a large, inclusive, and diverse academic environment, with modern facilities and comprehensive welfare benefits. The position is remunerated according to the Norwegian State Salary Scale, with a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800 and compulsory pension contributions. The university encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, cultural background, disability, or incomplete CV, and women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must submit their application electronically via the provided link, including certificates with grades, a summary of the master’s thesis, transcripts, official grading system description (if applicable), academic work and R&D projects, summary or links to scientific publications, a project description (maximum 10 pages), English proficiency test results (if required), and references with contact details. All documentation must be available in English or a Scandinavian language and submitted before the deadline of August 1, 2026.

For further information about the position, contact Professor Turgay Celik ([email protected]) or Professor Linga Reddy Cenkeramaddi ([email protected]). For questions about the application process, contact HR Advisor Linda H. Kristiansen ([email protected]). The University of Agder combines the warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological, and artistic expertise, offering a vibrant research community and excellent opportunities for professional growth.