PhD Research Fellow in Formal Methods for Data Protection in Digital Twins

Arbeidsplassen; Oslo; On-site; NOK 550,000 - 595,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oslo is offering a PhD Research Fellow position in Formal Methods for Data Protection in Digital Twins. This three-year fellowship aims to develop techniques for handling protected data while emphasizing collaboration, research focus, and a commitment to diversity within an innovative academic environment.

Benefits

Stimulating work environment

Good welfare schemes and career development opportunities

Workplace benefits and pension schemes

Social environment in Oslo

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a strong academic record.
• Solid background in theoretical computer science and programming languages.
• Proficiency in English is essential.
• Experience with formal methods or semantic technologies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Explore techniques to handle data protection in digital twin architectures.
• Develop systematic methods for data handling integration into digital twin frameworks.
• Collaborate with research groups focusing on formal methods and semantic technologies.

Skills

Theoretical computer science

Programming language theory

Algorithm design

Distributed systems

Logic

Formal methods

Semantic technologies

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in computer science or related fields

Job description

PhD Research Fellow in Formal Methods for Data Protection in Digital Twins

Position as PhD Research Fellow in formal methods for data protection in digital twins is available at the Department of Informatics.

Starting date no later than December 1, 2025. The fellowship period is three years.

A fourth year may be considered, involving 25 percent of other career-promoting work, such as teaching, supervision, or research assistance, depending on the applicant's qualifications and departmental needs.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

This position is funded by the Department of Informatics and involves collaboration between the Reliable Systems (PSY) research group, focusing on formal methods, programming language theory, and digital twins, and the Data and Knowledge Management (DKM) research group, focusing on semantic technologies. Both groups have a dynamic, interactive environment with a good gender balance, comprising full-time professors, researchers, postdocs, and PhD candidates.

The PhD research will explore techniques to handle protected data in digital twin architectures, combining formal methods, programming language theory, and semantic technologies to develop systematic techniques for data handling that can be integrated within digital twin frameworks. The project aims to demonstrate results through a theoretical framework or an experimental proof of concept, potentially integrated into the existing digital twin framework SMOL (https://smolang.org/).

A digital twin is a virtual representation of a system, continuously updated with real-time data to simulate, predict, or analyze performance or behavior. Such systems rely heavily on data, including sensitive information, which must be protected to prevent risks like identity theft, financial loss, reputational damage, or legal issues.

What skills are important in this role?

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences aims to be among Europe's leading research, education, and innovation communities. Candidates should be in the top segment of their class academically.

About the position

Same as above, emphasizing the collaboration, research focus, and environment.

Job description

The position involves exploring techniques to handle protected data in digital twin architectures, combining formal methods, programming language theory, and semantic technologies to develop systematic data handling methods for integration into digital twin frameworks. Results will be demonstrated through a theoretical framework or a proof of concept, possibly integrated into SMOL.

Digital twins are virtual models updated with real-time data to simulate or analyze systems, requiring strict data protection to avoid risks from sensitive data breaches.

What skills are important in this role?

Candidates should have a strong academic record, with qualifications including a Master’s degree in computer science or related fields, a solid background in theoretical computer science, and proficiency in English. Additional desirable skills include knowledge of programming language theory, algorithms, distributed systems, logic, and experience with formal methods or semantic technologies.

Additional requirements

• Good oral and written English skills
• Academic grades: C or better in bachelor’s courses, B or better in master’s courses, and a B or better on the thesis in the Norwegian system

Personal qualities

• Strong analytical skills
• Independent, creative thinking and initiative
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

What we offer

• A stimulating work environment
• Good welfare schemes and career development opportunities
• Workplace benefits, pension schemes, and social environment in Oslo
• Salary range NOK 550,800 - 595,000, with statutory pension contributions

Inclusive work environment

The university values diversity and inclusion, aiming for gender balance and diverse expertise. Qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps, or immigrant backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

• Cover letter, CV, research statement (max one page), transcripts, proof of English proficiency if applicable, list of publications, references
• Applications via the recruitment system Jobbnorge
• Education results from Vitnemålsportalen.no or transcripts if unavailable online

Additional information

Applicants may be subject to security checks. The best candidates will be invited for interviews. Application confidentiality and publication rights are explained, with options for exemption. More info about regulations and policies is provided.

For questions, contact Therese Ringvold.

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and most prestigious university, with a broad academic environment and a commitment to diversity and excellence.