Postdoctoral Fellow in Unconventional Close-to-Physics Computation

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Video: https://youtu.be/Xt-yHCN5QS0About the position

Fundamental research in the cross section between computer science (unconventional computation) and close-to-physics computing (magnetic metamaterials) defines the aim and direction of the sought research. The candidate will be part of our multidiscipline Symbiotic computing group. Symbiotic is a dedicated research group with strong internal (and external) collaboration, focusing on a multidisciplinary approach as to define what future computers can be and do. Our mission is to realize a new computational paradigm that combines the versatility of the digital computer with the efficiency of close-to-physics computing. The group targets the full computational stack, from materials to computational models. The group has a leading role in European within the fields of unconventional computing, our Comet initiative, and Computer Architecture, our CAL initiative. The position will be part of an international environment with strong international collaboration.

Are you ready to take your research career to the next level? We offer an exciting 4-year postdoctoral position that gives you the opportunity to develop a strong profile as researcher. You will also gain valuable experience that might be relevant for your further career.

The purpose of a postdoctoral position is to build up a researcher profile that qualifies for a position as associate professor. The position may also offer additional skills that are relevant to the postdoctoral fellow's future career.

Apply for this position to become part of our research environment and take the next step in your career with us.

Your immediate leader will be the head of the computing unit.

About the project 

The key work of the position will be within our current project portfolio, as well as defining and establishing future projects. The posit will be defined within our close-to-physic sub-research direction to explore the reservoir computing unconventional computing models (non-von Neumann architectures) as a Methode for quantifying computational properties based on emergence and complex dynamics in nanomagnet systems. Nanomagnet metamaterials, Artificial Spin Ices, are the main substrates of interest. Intermediate the research focus is toward basic computational properties of such nanomagnet ASI systems with a transition to laboratory prove of principles to be able to move toward computational devices (HPC-simulations, and Synchrotron, MOKE and MFM experiments) based on nanomagnetic metamaterials. Intermediate the research focus is toward basic computational properties of such nanomagnet ASI systems with a transition to laboratory prove of principles to be able to move toward computational devices based on nanomagnetic metamaterials. However, the research group and hence the research focus may change with discoveries of other materials or computing models.

The position also includes research proposal work, dissemination and outreach activities together with student related work, e.g. supervision.

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”.

If you do not already have educational competence that meets the requirements for a position as associate professor in Norway, NTNU will arrange for you to acquire such competence during the employment period. In such cases, you will also be assigned relevant teaching as part of the career-promoting work.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions and for general criteria for the position.

Personal characteristics

Working as a Postdoctoral fellow requires that you:

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

Diversity

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education.

If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.

Salary and conditions

As a Postdoctoral Fellow (code 1352) you are normally paid from gross NOK 667 000,- per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 4 years including career promotion work / teaching duties.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important to keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and to adapt to them.

For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

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). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to be in conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed

About the application 

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in Norwegian/a Scandinavian language or English.

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above.

The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request.

The application must include:

If all or parts of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education. Description of the documentation requiredcan be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well.

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

If you have had leave or another break in your career, it is important that this is stated in your application so that the selection committee can take this into account and that the amount of your research may be reduced as a result.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal qualities. Motivation, ambitions and potential for research will also be emphasized in the assessment of the candidates.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and is committed to follow evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment DORA and the obligations in CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

General information 

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public list of applicants, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Gunnar Tufte Gunnar.Tufte@ntnu.no.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR at the computer science department at HR@IDI.NTNU.no

Application deadline: 23.09.2026

For practical information about working at NTNU, please visit this webpage.

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the tech capital of Norway with a population of 200,000.The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.