Post-doctoral Research Fellow in Intelligent Engineering University of Agder (UiA) in Norway

The University of Agder (UiA) is offering a three-year, full-time Post-doctoral Research Fellow position in Intelligent Engineering, based at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Engineering Sciences, Campus Grimstad, Norway. The position is hosted by the Intelligent Mechatronics (iTron) research group and is affiliated with WP4 (Smart Design) of SFI CELECT, a national Centre for Research-based Innovation funded by the Research Council of Norway and industrial partners. CELECT is a collaborative initiative led by the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and UiA, with a broad consortium of companies across defence, maritime, and manufacturing sectors.

The research agenda focuses on AI-assisted methods for designing complex mechatronic systems, aiming to bridge the gap between mature software engineering practices and the emerging application of AI in mechatronic system design. The successful candidate will take a leading role in developing AI agents and human–AI orchestration methods to support engineers in creating innovative system designs. Key research questions include capturing tacit engineering design knowledge in forms usable by AI agents and exploring the capabilities of large language models in engineering reasoning, combined with dynamic simulation and reinforcement learning.

The position involves developing application-agnostic methods, such as transforming system requirements into candidate design concepts, evaluating them through high-fidelity simulation, and using AI-built surrogate models for optimization. The research is fundamental and enabling, with real-world cases provided by industry partners and UiA’s own systems serving as testbeds. Collaboration with the Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR) at UiA adds depth in machine learning and reinforcement learning.

Responsibilities include leading high-quality publications, contributing to research-funding applications, and co-supervising PhD candidates. The role offers integration into the SFI CELECT research centre, membership in the iTron group, access to the UiA Motion Laboratory, and structured career development opportunities. The position is remunerated according to the Norwegian State Salary Scale, with a gross annual salary of NOK 625,000 – 675,000, and includes membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

Applicants must hold a PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field, with hands-on experience in AI agents, agentic coding tools, and frameworks. A strong software-engineering background, academic track record, and excellent English skills are required. Candidates nearing completion of their doctoral degree may apply, provided the degree is approved before starting. Desired qualifications include proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language, experience with AI-assisted development, reinforcement learning, engineering design tools, scientific programming, and research funding acquisition.

The University of Agder is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, cultural background, or disability. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. The application process requires electronic submission of certificates, publications, thesis, motivation statement, and other relevant documentation in Scandinavian language or English. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2026.

For further information, contact Associate Professor Daniel Hagen ([email protected]), Head of Department Paul Ragnar Svennevig ([email protected]), or HR-Adviser Heidi Kristensen ([email protected]). Apply via the provided link to join a vibrant research environment and contribute to advancing intelligent engineering at UiA.