PhD Position in Information Theory/Machine Learning

PhD Position in Information Theory/Machine Learning

Simula UiB (https://simula-uib.com ) is a research institute in Cryptography and Information Theory located in Bergen, Norway. The Department of Information Theory is currently looking for an outstanding candidate for a PhD position in the intersection of efficient distributed machine learning and information theory through the research project PeerL. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Eirik Rosnes and Hsuan-Yin Lin.

Do you want to dive into the exciting field of distributed machine learning with a special focus on privacy/security? This research topic is going to shake up how we understand and apply machine learning, with the aim of creating safer and more private solutions in an increasingly digitised world. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to explore and contribute to groundbreaking research questions. Specific research questions will be discussed with the successful applicant, and include themes such as decentralized learning, straggler mitigation, graph neural networks, and differential privacy.

Simula UiB currently has 11 early career researchers working on a range of research problems in cryptography and information theory. We can offer a vibrant, stimulating, and inclusive working environment to successful candidates. The position is for a fixed-term period of three years.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a candidate who has completed or is about to complete a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a closely related field for working on the exciting and emerging field of distributed machine learning in the intersection with information theory. The successful candidate will have excellent mathematical knowledge in statistics and discrete mathematics, experience with machine learning, and excellent programming skills as well as strong analytical skills. Moreover, a solid understanding of information theory and/or statistical learning theory is an advantage. They must be highly motivated and be able to demonstrate their potential for conducting original research in information theory/machine learning. We expect the candidate to have good communication skills and be fluent in English, both in writing and speaking. Finally, the successful candidate will have good interpersonal skills and be willing and able to contribute to Simula UiB's working environment.

The Simula group appreciates diversity. We currently employ approximately 200 individuals from 46 countries and strive to create a family-friendly working environment. We are an equal-opportunity employer and encourage women to apply. The webpage (https://www.simula.no/about/simula-culture) provides more in-depth information about Simula culture.

Simula UiB offers:

• Excellent opportunities for conducting high-quality research, as part of a highly competent and motivated team of researchers.
• An informal, inclusive and international working environment.
• Support for travel and opportunities to build international networks.
• Modern office facilities located at Marineholmen in the city centre of Bergen.
• A competitive salary; starting salary from NOK 536,200.
• Numerous employee benefits, including access to a company cabin, sponsored social events, an equipment budget, and a comprehensive travel/health insurance policy.
• Relocation assistance, including complimentary Norwegian language courses.
• Healthy wellness and work-life balance arrangements.

Application

Interested candidates should apply via the link, where they should provide:

• Cover letter, outlining the motivation for applying for this position and pursuing a PhD in the intersection of machine learning and information theory, research interests, experience and qualifications of relevance for the position.
• Curriculum Vitae, summarising educational background and relevant work experience.
• Academic transcripts for the undergraduate and master's studies, and a copy of relevant academic work that the candidate may have worked on (e.g., Master thesis, articles).
• Contact information of two referees, including the supervisor(s).

The application deadline is 22 May 2025. Applications will be screened continuously, and we may conclude recruitment as soon as we find the right candidate. The starting date is negotiable.

For administrative enquiries about this position, please contact bergen@simula.no.

About Simula and Norway

Simula UiB AS is a research institute owned by Simula Research Laboratory AS and the University of Bergen (UiB). It collaborates closely with leading universities in Norway and abroad, both in terms of research and education of master's and PhD students. One of its goals is to increase Norway's cybersecurity expertise through research and education in cryptography and information theory.

Simula Research Laboratory AS is a publicly owned research lab that conducts Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research in the fields of scientific computing, software engineering, communication systems, machine learning and cyber security. Simula's main objective is to create knowledge about fundamental scientific challenges that are of genuine value to society. This is achieved through high-quality research, education of graduate students, industry collaboration, technology transfer, and commercialisation. Since 2001, scientific evaluations conducted by the Research Council of Norway have repeatedly placed Simula at the forefront of international research in ICT.

Norway is famous for its outdoor scenery, with gorgeous fjords, waterfalls and mountain ranges. Moreover, Norway is a safe and peaceful country with a thriving economy, offering a high standard of living and all the benefits of a social-democratic welfare state, such as social security and universal public healthcare.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.