Researcher - AI for Forestry

NIBIO - Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research; Norway; On-site; NOK 635,000 - 920,000; Full time

Job summary

NIBIO - Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research in Ås near Oslo invites applications for a Research Scientist to lead AI model development for forestry, including unimodal LiDAR data and multimodal data integration.

The successful candidate will contribute to deep learning model development for LiDAR segmentation and image analysis, publish in journals, and lead work packages in funded national and international projects.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Vision, ML or related field is required.
• Experience in computer vision research and development.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals and/or conferences.
• Excellent English communication skills; Norwegian language skills encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of deep learning models for segmentation of LiDAR data and image-based analysis.
• Develop multimodal deep learning models integrating LiDAR and imagery.
• Lead work packages within externally funded national and international projects.
• Contribute to proposals for new research and funding applications.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership within the team.
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed venues.

Skills

Excellent English communication

Computer vision research

Publish in journals/conferences

Collaboration and communication

Education

PhD in Computer Vision / ML or related field

Job description

NIBIO - Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research

Organisation/Company NIBIO - Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research Department Department of Forest Operations and Digitalisation Research Field Agricultural sciences Forest sciences Engineering Computer engineering Engineering Control engineering Technology Measurement technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Leading Researcher (R4) Positions Other Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Oslo) Country Norway Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks MSCA DN Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Key Information

The Department of Forest Operations and Digitalisation focuses on the application of enabling technologies to support a digitalised and sustainable forestry sector. Our research portfolio includes SmartForest, a Centre for Research-driven Innovation (smartforest.no), as well as the EU-funded projects Small4Good and SingleTree.

We are currently seeking a Research Scientist to lead our work on the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) models for both unimodal data sources, such as laser scanning (LiDAR) and imagery, and multimodal applications that integrate information from multiple sensor types.

The position is based at NIBIO’s headquarters in Ås, located approximately 30 km south of Oslo.

Main responsibilities

The successful candidate will play a leading role within our research team and contribute to the development of deep learning models for forestry and environmental applications. The position includes both scientific and technical responsibilities, including participation in and leadership of activities related to:

• Development of deep learning models for the segmentation and classification of LiDAR data.
• Development of deep learning models for image-based analysis and interpretation.
• Development of multimodal deep learning models that integrate information from multiple sensor sources.
• Development of real-time AI models and inference systems for operational applications.
• Leadership of work packages within ongoing externally funded national and international research projects.
• Contribution to the development of proposals for new research and innovation projects and funding applications.
• PhD degree in Computer Vision, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• Experience in computer vision research and development.
• A strong track record of publishing scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and/or international conferences.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Candidates who are not proficient in Norwegian will be expected to acquire both written and spoken Norwegian language skills within two years of appointment.

Will be evaluated positively

• Experience with deep learning models for LiDAR data and 3D point cloud analysis.
• Experience with multimodal models, including the integration of 3D data and imagery.
• Experience with real-time AI systems and edge computing.
• Knowledge of and experience working with forests in Northern Europe or similar forest ecosystems.
• Proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.
• Demonstrates strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Possesses excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Is responsible, results-oriented, and proactive in their approach to work.
• Shows commitment and enthusiasm for contributing to an ambitious and high-performing research team.
• Has the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal and external experts from diverse academic disciplines and professional backgrounds.

Salary and benefits

• Opportunity to work on an important social mission with focus on sustainability and future-oriented projects.
• Challenging, exciting and varied tasks in interdisciplinary teams
• A flexible everyday life with the opportunity to influence one's own work tasks
• A skilled professional environment with good colleagues
• A generous personnel policy with welfare schemes that focus on employees' different stages of life.

The position is remunerated according to the Norwegian State Salary Scale as Researcher code 1109, NOK 635.000 - 920.000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which includes a good occupational pension scheme, occupational injury and group life insurance, and low-interest home loans.

Other information

We would like to point out that information about applicants may be subject to public disclosure, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (Offentlighetsloven), Section 25. An applicant can request to be exempted from inclusion on a public list of applicants. If the request for confidentiality is denied, the applicant will be notified thereof.

About diversity and inclusion - for applicants living in Norway:
In accordance with the Norwegian Civil Service equal opportunities policy, qualified candidates are encouraged to apply - regardless of age, gender, functional disabilities,gaps in CV or national or ethnic background.As a government agency, we have the opportunity to provide positive special treatment for applicants who have a disability, gaps in their CV or immigrant background. Positive special treatment means, among other things, that you will more easily come to the interview. Read more about this here (in norwegian).

About NIBIO and the Department

NIBIO’s activities lie within agriculture, food, climate and the environment. The Institute conducts research and management support, and provides knowledge for use in national preparedness, governmental and district management, industry, and the society at large. NIBIO has approximately 750 employees present in all parts of the country. Its main office is located at Ås in Akershus.
NIBIO is owned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Department Forest Operations and Digitalization performs industry-applicable R & D within boreal value chains from planting to delivery at mill gate. Our objective is to be the preferred partner for the national forest sector and for policy-oriented studies while also being competitive in the international research community.

Questions about the position

Carolin Fischer, Head of Departement, [phone]

Rasmus Astrup, Head of research, [phone]

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Department of Forest Operations and Digitalisation Country Norway Geofield