PhD Position – AI-Driven Multimodal Analysis and Predictive Modelling of Biomaterials

Athina Samara; Oslo; On-site; NOK 551,000 - 605,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Membership in the Norwegian Public/39?

Oslo family-friendly environment

Job summary

University of Oslo is offering a three-year Doctoral Research Fellow position in Biomaterial Science (BIOMAT) within the Oral Research Laboratory in Oslo, Norway. The project blends advanced 2D/3D bioimaging with computational image analysis and machine learning to link structural, mechanical and biological properties to biomaterial performance.

The fellowship focuses on regenerative medicine and dental applications, with the aim to publish three papers and complete a doctoral thesis.

Qualifications

• MSc and BSc in Biomaterials, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Biology, Computer Science, Medical Technology, or a closely related field.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Perform quantitative 2D/3D analysis of biological tissues and biomaterials using micro/nanoCT, confocal microscopy and SEM.
• Characterize fibrous scaffold architecture, porosity and structural stability.
• Develop computer vision and machine learning methods for multimodal bioimaging data.
• Build AI models predicting cell and exosome distribution in regenerative biomaterials.

Skills

English fluency

Independent work

Analytical skills

Education

MSc in biomaterials/related field

BSc in related field

Tools

Python

Image processing tools

Job description

About the position

Biomaterial Science (BIOMAT) / Institute of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, is offering a PhD position focused on AI-driven quantitative analysis and predictive modelling of biomaterials, tissues, and regenerative constructs.

The project combines advanced 2D and 3D bioimaging, including micro/nanoCT, confocal microscopy and SEM, with computational image analysis, computer vision and machine learning. The aim is to develop robust and standardized methodstolink structural, mechanical and biological properties to biomaterial performance and tissue reconstruction.

The PhD candidate will work with multimodal datasets from biological tissues and engineered biomaterials and contribute to research on:

• quantitative 2D and 3D analysis of biological tissues using nanoCT;
• characterization of fibrous biomaterial scaffolds, including porosity, fiber architecture and structural stability;
• standardization and computational analysis of biomedical imaging data;
• AI-based prediction of cell and exosome distribution in regenerative biomaterials.

The candidate will receive interdisciplinary training in biomaterials research, advanced imaging, quantitative image analysis, data processing and machine-learning-based modelling.

More about the position

The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. The appointment is for 3 years and the place of work is Oslo, Norway.

The research will primarily be carried out at the Oral Research Laboratory, which provides infrastructure for biomaterial production and characterization, cell culture, SEM, confocal microscopy, micro/nanoCT and histology.

The project has a strong focus on regenerative medicine and dental applications, including hard- and soft-tissue reconstruction.

The three-year project is expected to produce three scientific papers and a doctoral thesis.

Your areas of responsibility will be

• Perform quantitative 2D/3D analysis of biological tissues and biomaterials using micro/nanoCT, confocal microscopy and SEM
• Characterize fibrous scaffold architecture, porosity and structural stability
• Develop computer vision and machine learning methods for multimodal bioimaging data
• Build AI models predicting cell and exosome distribution in regenerative biomaterials

More about the fellowship

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. The appointment is for three years and is devoted to the doctoral project and required research training.

Admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Dentistry is a prerequisite for taking up the position. The candidate is expected to complete the project within the fellowship period. A final plan for the research training must be approved and formalised no later than three months after the start of the position.

The main supervisor will be Associate Professor Athina Samara.

Qualification requirements

Mandatory requirements

• MSc and BSc in Biomaterials, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Biology, Computer Science, Medical Technology, or a closely related field.
• Relevant experience with biomedical imaging, quantitative data analysis, image processing, machine learning, biomaterials, or related methods.
• Documentedinterest in interdisciplinary research combining biological and computational approaches.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Desirable qualifications

• DocumentedExperience with Python and/or another scientific programming language.
• Documented Experience with image processing, computer vision or machine learning or
• DocumentedExperience with 2D or 3D biomedical imaging,quantitative or multimodal biological datasets.
• Familiarity with biomaterials, tissue engineering, scaffolds, hydrogels or 3D biological models.

What are we looking for in you?

• You work independently, precisely and systematically, while asking for input when appropriate.
• You have strong practical and analytical skills
• You are scientifically curious, critical and willing to revise methods when the data do not support initial assumptions.
• You communicate clearly and contribute constructively to interdisciplinary teamwork.
• You demonstrate research integrity, realistic planning and the persistence required to complete a three-year PhD project.
• Employment in the position will be based on a comprehensive assessment of the qualification requirements, the relevance and quality of previous academic and practical experience, motivation for the project, scientific potential and personal suitability.

We need different perspectives in our work

• UiO is an open and internationally oriented comprehensive university that aims to provide an inclusive and diverse workplace and academic environment. We fulfil our mission most effectively when we draw on different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.
• We will do our best to accommodate individual needs. Relevant adjustments may include adaptations to working hours, tasks, digital or physical tools, or other practical measures. Applicants with an immigrant background, a disability or gaps in their CV are encouraged to indicate this in the application portal. UiO invites at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups to interview in accordance with applicable state-sector procedures.

Why should you choose us?

• A clearly defined and fully funded three-year PhD project with established core infrastructure.
• Dedicated supervision and research training in dental biomaterials, development of wear-testing methods, crown-material processing, mechanical characterisation, surface characterisation, micro-CT and quantitative image analysis.
• An interdisciplinary and internationally connected research environment at the Faculty of Dentistry.
• Access to modern laboratories and opportunities for collaboration with clinical and engineering research groups.
• A workplace with good development and career opportunities, good welfare schemes and up to 1.5 hours of exercise during working hours.(Good welfare schemes )
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund ( Statens Pensjonskasse ), with beneficial pension, mortgage and insurance arrangements.
• Oslo’s family-friendly environment, with extensive cultural and outdoor opportunities.
• Dedicated mentoring and a professionally stimulating working environment.
• Salary in position as Doctoral Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK from 551000 - to 605000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.

Read more about the benefits of working in the public sector at Employer Portal .

General information

Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we cannot, you will hear from us.

Please refer to Regulations for the Act on universities and colleges chapter 3 (Norwegian), Guidelines concerning appointment to post doctoral and research posts at UiO and Regulations for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the University of Oslo.

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.

The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act , and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology, and services).