Postdoctoral fellowship available in Scientific Computing at Simula Research Laboratory
Simula Research LaboratoryOm tjänsten
Simula Research Laboratory AS is a publicly owned research laboratory located in Oslo, Norway. Simula’s mission is to solve
important and fundamental problems of science and engineering, with the main goal of benefiting and advancing society. Simula
conducts Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research in the fields of scientific computing, software engineering,
communication systems, machine learning and cybersecurity.
Job description:
In the
Department for Scientific Computing and Numerical Analysis at Simula, we now have an opening for 1 Postdoctoral fellow to join our
research project: aCleanBrain - BRAIN FLUIDS - TRANSPORT AND CLEARANCE.
The successful
candidate will join the aCleanBrain core research team consisting of several other PhD candidates, Postdoctoral fellows, senior
researchers as well as national and international collaborators, and become an integral part of the large, vibrant and open
research environment within scientific computing, applied mathematics and computational physiology at Simula.
The
aCleanBrain research project is all about developing new mathematics, algorithms, and software tools in order to better
understand the process of brain clearance, in particular during sleep. This project is a highly interdisciplinary project
involving collaborations with medical experts, scientific software development, the use of both traditional simulation methods
such as finite element methods as well as machine learning in order to answer deep questions of basic brain functions. The
research questions require deep mathematics in terms of novel numerical analysis, advanced scientific software development, and
new models of the physics of brain fluids. While a Postdoctoral fellow does not need deep competence in all aspects, such a
modeling challenge can only by a team with members of different expertise.
Scientific breakthroughs in neuroscience
attempt to explain the need for sleep and the develop- ment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
diseases in terms of fluid dynamics: the waste created during the day is cleared away as we sleep or it accumulates. However, a
decade of research after the original theory was posed has revealed that the underlying physical mechanisms are still not
understood and that advanced mathematical tools are needed.
In this project we propose a research program addressing:
- new fluid dynamics mechanisms
- novel numerical analysis for advanced multi-physics brain simulations
- a
framework for patient-specific simulations.
We will exploit reduced order and machine learning methods in
addition to finite element solutions. With successful delivery, aCleanBrain will establish the main drivers of brain fluid
dynamics, provide a foundation for accurate, efficient and robust algorithms for multi-physics problems and develop a software
framework for advanced biomechanical brain simulations.
We are looking for candidates with a solid track record
contributing to one (or more) of these aims.
The aCleanBrain project is funded by the ERC advanced grant funding
scheme.
Keywords:
Postdoctoral fellow, scientific computing, simulation, HPC,
neuroscience, Simula
Candidate profile:
We are looking for candidates for a 2-year Postdoctoral
fellowship. Candidates should have a solid background in applied mathematics, scientific computing, computational science,
bioengineering or related fields, and an interest in contributing to neuroscience. Candidates must have successfully completed
their PhD degree by no more than 6 months after the starting date.
Successful candidates should have the following
qualifications:
- A theoretical and/or computational background in applied mathematics, scientific computing,
computational life science or bioengineering with knowledge of numerical methods for differential equations;
- A strong
track record (commensurable by career level) including excellent academic results;
- Strong programming skills as well as
experience with high-level languages (such as Python, Matlab or Julia).
- Documented knowledge of brain physiology or an
interest in studying, learning and discussing this subject.
- We expect a solid track record of research including high
quality scientific publications.
Simula offers:
- An excellent environment and
outstanding opportunities for performing high quality research as part of a highly competent, motivated and enthusiastic team of
researchers and engineers.
- An informal and inclusive international working environment
- Modern office facilities
located in the heart of Oslo with an extensive public transport network within a few minutes walk and a vibrant city life right
outside the office door steps.
- A competitive salary, with a starting range of 595.000 NOK for Postdoctoral
fellows.
- Generous support for travel and opportunities to build international networks, through established
collaborations with industry, exchange programs and research visits with other universities, and funding to attend
conferences.
- Numerous other benefits: access to company cabin, sponsored social events, generous equipment budgets (e.g.,
computer, phone and subscription), subsidized canteen meals, comprehensive travel/insurance policy, etc.
- Relocation
assistance: accommodation, visas, complimentary Norwegian language courses, etc.
- Administrative research support: e.g.,
quality assurance process for grant proposals (including RCN and EU programs).
- Wellness and work-life balance. Our
employees’ health and well-being is a priority and we encourage them to make use of Simula’s flexible work arrangements to help
balance their work and home lives efficiently.
Simula is an equal opportunity employer, and women are particularly
encouraged to apply.
Application requirements:
Interested applicants are requested to submit the
following:
- Cover letter (max 2 pages): outline your motivation for applying, relevant experience and qualifications,
research interests and how/why you are qualified for the position;
- Curriculum vitae: summarize your educational
background, working experience (in particular, any relevant academic or industrial work), list of scientific publications if any,
language skills etc;
- All relevant diplomas and transcripts from Master degrees and PhD degree;
- A list of
up to two references with contact information.
Application deadline:
October 4, 2026. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, and the preferred start date is January 2027.
Contact person: Kent-Andre Mardal (kent-and@simula.no)
About Simula
Simula Research Laboratory AS is a publicly owned research
lab located in Oslo, Norway. Simula conducts Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research in the fields of scientific
computing, software engineering, communication systems, machine learning and cybersecurity.
Simula's main objective
is to create knowledge about fundamental scientific challenges that are of genuine value for society. This is achieved through
high quality research, education of graduate students, industry collaboration, technology transfer, and commercialization. Since
2001, scientific evaluations conducted by the Research Council of Norway has repeatedly placed Simula at the forefront of
international research in ICT. In 2025, a new evaluation ranked Simula the highest of all Norwegian research institutions
regarding impact and publication quality (p14. in National
EVALMIT rapport).
Simula appreciates diversity. We currently employ approximately 200 individuals from 35 countries and
strive to create a family-friendly working environment. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage women to apply.
Simula Research Laboratory uses background checks in our recruitment process.
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.
Employment for this position will be made
according to the act relating to Control of the export of
strategic goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and any attachments are considered
to be in conflict with the export control regulations will not qualify for this position.