Kai Olav Ellefsen

The University of Oslo's Department of Informatics is offering exciting PhD and Postdoctoral opportunities in the field of Artificial Intelligence for Robotic Body-Brain Co-Design. These positions are part of The Norwegian Centre for Embodied AI (NCEI), providing a unique chance to work within an international research community and access world-class facilities. The research focuses on the co-design of robot morphology and control systems, aiming to develop robust, intelligent robots capable of operating in diverse environments such as forests, industrial facilities, and underwater caves. Key research activities include developing evolutionary algorithms and quality-diversity methods to jointly optimize robot bodies and brains, working with genotype-to-phenotype mappings, addressing motion and fabrication constraints, integrating autonomy stacks (perception, learning, planning), and performing sim-to-real transfer. The positions offer the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at one of Norway’s six national AI centres, with access to extensive workshops and career development programs. The PhD position (Ref: 295841) requires a Master’s degree in robotics, computer science, AI, or a related field (to be completed by July 1, 2026), strong programming and AI/machine learning skills, and an average grade of B or better. The postdoctoral position (Ref: 295319) requires a PhD in a relevant field (dissertation submitted by the closing date), experience with evolutionary robotics and simulation tools like Isaac Gym, and a strong publication record. Both positions are fully funded, with the PhD salary ranging from NOK 550,800 to 595,000 and the postdoc salary from NOK 595,000 to 690,000 per year. The roles are based at the Department of Informatics, Norway's largest university department for computer science, and include generous welfare benefits, a high-quality pension scheme, and opportunities for exercise during working hours. To apply, candidates must submit a cover letter, research proposal (max 7,000 characters), CV, and academic transcripts via the Jobbnorge portal. For more information, contact Professor Kyrre Glette ([email protected]) or Associate Professor Kai Olav Ellefsen ([email protected]). Application deadlines are March 15, 2026 (PhD) and March 16, 2026 (Postdoc).

The University of Oslo is seeking to recruit both PhD and Postdoctoral Research Fellows in the field of AI methods for robotic body-brain co-design. These positions are connected to The Norwegian Centre for Embodied AI (NCEI), one of Norway’s six new national centers for AI research. Successful candidates will join a world-class team focused on transforming how robot morphology and autonomy are co-designed, with a particular emphasis on evolutionary algorithms, quality-diversity methods, and sim-to-real transfer. The PhD Research Fellow position requires a Master’s degree in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, or Computer Science, along with strong programming and machine learning skills and a record of academic excellence (Grade B norm). The Postdoctoral Research Fellow position requires a PhD in Robotics, AI, or Computer Science, as well as experience with evolutionary robotics or simulation tools such as Isaac Gym. Both positions are based at the University of Oslo, Norway, and offer the opportunity to work in a collaborative, international environment with access to world-class facilities. Benefits include a top-tier pension scheme, family-friendly surroundings, and a strategic focus on career development and international collaboration. The University of Oslo is recognized as one of Norway’s leading institutions for AI research, providing an excellent environment for academic and professional growth. The application deadlines are March 15, 2026 for the PhD position and March 16, 2026 for the Postdoctoral position. For more information and to apply, candidates should visit the official job postings linked in the announcement. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated researchers interested in AI, robotics, and the co-design of intelligent robotic systems to advance their careers at a leading European university.