Tag Archives: NMBU

PhD position within semantic simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) for agriculture robotics

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Are you interested in mobile robotics, localization, SLAM, and machine learning for agriculture?

About the position

The Faculty of Science and Technology at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant PhD–position related to semantic simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), and autonomous navigation for mobile robots in agriculture. The PhD position is for a period of 3 years, or up to 4 years if teaching and other work duties are agreed.

Desired start date: January 1st 2024

The PhD candidate will focus on the challenging field of autonomous agricultural robots. We want to know if it is possible to achieve concurrent autonomous navigation and semantic mapping capabilities for a mobile robot in agricultural environments. Due to the unstructured and complex planning environment in agriculture, precise mapping and semantic reasoning about present objects, arrangements, and structures is difficult but necessary. The main objective of the position is to integrate autonomous navigation with SLAM for mobile robotic platforms in agriculture. Specifically, combining machine learning-based semantic segmentation with SLAM and motion planning to achieve precise localization, mapping, and semantic segmentation, will be the main tasks in the position. You will get to work with advanced robotic platforms from Saga robotics, Robotnik, and Clearpath Robotics as well as precise sensing devices such as 3D lidar, imu, vision camera, and GNSS.

Integrating the available hardware with state-of-the-art software for autonomous navigation, semantic segmentation and mapping will result in a novel, fully autonomous robotic system capable of performing challenging tasks in agriculture. This position is for a candidate with knowledge and interest in robotics, machine learning, and sensor-fusion.

As a member of NMBU Robotics group you will be working closely with other academics, as well as lab and support staff, to develop robotic systems for realworld field applications primarily within agriculture robots. NMBU Robotics has developed the agriculture robotics platform, “Thorvald”, which has been successfully commercialized by Saga Robotics. You would also be in contact with our external partners such as RobotNorge, SINTEF, NIBIO, and NOFIMA. This combination of partners will create a strong network for achieving your goals! 

The person appointed will be affiliated with the University’s organized research training. The academic work is to result in a doctoral thesis that will be defended at the University with a view to obtaining the degree of PhD.  

The successful candidate is expected to join the existing research milieu or network and contribute to its development. Read more about the doctoral degree

Main tasks

The position is focused on integrated navigation and semantic SLAM for a ground mobile robot. 

The selected candidate will work on:

  • Development and implementation of autonomous navigation model for ground mobile robots in unstructured 3D environments. 
  • Design and implementation of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) architecture for creating 3D maps based on live or recorded data from the fusion of 3D lidar, vision camera, imu, odometry, gnss, etc.
  • Design and implementation of a real-time semantic segmentation module based on sensor-fusion and machine learning.
  • Performance evaluation of the results through simulation and experimental studies.

The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period.  

NMBU roboten Thorvald fra Saga robotics utviklet på NMBU

Competence

Required qualifications:

  • M.Sc. within a relevant field. Foreign degrees must correspond with the admission criteria for the PhD program. Candidates submitting MSs thesis within 31. December 2023 may be considered
  • Experience with robotic systems
  • Advanced programming skills
  • Experience with machine learning implementation
  • Proficiency in both written and oral English in correspondence with the admission criteria for the PhD program
  • Personal suitability and motivation for the position. 

The following experiences and skills will be emphasized:

  • Proficiency in programming with Python/C++ and ROS
  • Experience within motion planning and obstacle avoidance 
  • Experience with localization, SLAM, and sensor-fusion
  • Experience with machine learning algorithms including deep learning
  • Previous research and publications within these domains
  • Proficiency in a Scandinavian language

Personal qualities:

  • Be curios, result-oriented and highly motivated
  • Possess strong communication and cooperation skills
  • Be a team player
  • Have a solid interest in robotics and machine learning

The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description

Remuneration and further information

We offer:

  • Salary NOK 532200 per annum. For exceptionally well qualified candidates a higher salary may be considered.   
  • Government pay scale position code 1017 PhD Research Fellow. 

The appointment is to be made in accordance with Regulations on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, Phd candidate, research assistant and specialist candidate and Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the Norwegian University of Life Science (NMBU) 

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology.

Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NMBU.

For further information, please contact Dr. Weria Khaksar, Associate Professor, E-mail: weria.khaksar@nmbu.no; phone +47 462 16 735

(do not use this e-mail for application, it is only for questions)

Information for PhD applicants and general Information to applicants

NMBU

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Application

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply for this job’ button above. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Application deadline: 15.10.2023

Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language. 

By applying the candidate confirms that information and documentation submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process to the PhD program. 

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged. Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates. 

The application must include: 

  • Motivation letter (maximum 1 page) 
  • Curriculum Vitae (with a list of education, positions, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities, including a complete list of publications) 
  • Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Di-ploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached. 
  • Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system.  
  • Documentation of proficiency in written and oral English in accordance with NMBU PhD regulation section 5-2 (3).  
  • Names and contact details for two references 
  • Additional relevant documentation of professional knowledge (for example, list of scientific works). If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution for publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included. 

About The Faculty of Science and Technology

The Faculty of Science and Technology (REALTEK) develops research-based knowledge and educates civil engineers and lecturers needed to reach the UN’s sustainability goals. We have approximately 150 employees, 70 PhD students and soon 1500 students. The education and research at REALTEK cover a broad spectrum of disciplines.

This includes data science, mechanics and process engineering, robotics, construction and architecture, industrial economics, environmental physics and renewable energy, geomatics, water and environmental engineering, applied mathematics as well as secondary school teacher education in natural sciences and use of natural resources such as in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture. The workplace is in Ås, 30 km from Oslo.

What is it really like to work at the Faculty of Science and Technology (REALTEK) at NMBU?

 – Guided tour of the Faculty of Science and Technology on Vimeo

Fakultet for realfag og teknologi

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

NMBU will contribute to securing the future of life through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation. We have the country’s most satisfied university students, who receive research-based education in a unique student environment. Our graduates gain a high level of competence in interdisciplinary collaboration and are popular in the labor market. NMBU has internationally leading research environments in several subjects. Together with our partners in society and business, we contribute to solving some of the biggest societal challenges of our time.

We focus on innovation, communication and entrepreneurship because we believe these challenges are best solved with joint efforts. We believe that a good working environment is characterized by diversity.If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no/en

Read the job description at the university homepage

Apply for this job

Deadline

15th October 2023

Post expires on Sunday October 15th, 2023

PhD scholarship in eco-hydrology

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Interested in hydrology and data science?  

About the position

Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA) at Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant three-year PhD-position in hydrology and environmental management.

In this project we want to delve into the fascinating realm of hydrological processes and their profound effects on the well-being of aquatic life in streams and rivers. Our primary focus revolves around the ambitious goal of introducing cutting-edge numerical techniques for rainfall-runoff modeling. This pioneering approach harnesses the power of physical flow equations intertwined with state-of-the-art hydrological models. The ultimate aim? Crafting sophisticated numerical models that empower us to scrutinize the intricate interplay between climate change and human interventions within local catchments.

To fuel these models, we’ll tap into a wealth of information from public databases and regional climate circulation models. Our foundation for assessing ecological and environmental impacts stems from real-world case studies. Using the outcomes of these numerical simulations, we’ll embark on a captivating journey to answer pivotal questions. What transformations can we anticipate in aquatic organisms and ecosystems when rivers undergo specific physical alterations? How will global warming and shifts in water balance manifest in our environments?

Think of it as an opportunity to decipher the tales hidden within fish population trends and the delicate balance of soil stability, erosion risks, and landslide hazards. Unearth the secrets of our planet’s hydrological mysteries with us as a valued PhD candidate.

The PhD project will be conducted with supervisors from The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), and the Faculty of Science and Technology (REALTEK) in addition to an external supervisor from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE). The MINA faculty has about 200 employees and about 600 students. The candidate will be located at the Section for Soil – and Water Sciences. NMBU offers:

  • An academic environment with focus on professional development, dissemination, and competence.
  • An interdisciplinary research community.
  • Daily contact with inspiring students and skilled colleagues.
  • Various welfare schemes.
  • Beautiful campus close to Oslo.

An application for a PhD position at NMBU is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD program at the University. Documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met must therefore be uploaded as attachments.

Main tasks

Main tasks will be:

  • Exploring numerical technology.
  • Processing hydrological and meteorological data.
  • Down scaling of climate data.
  • Analysis of river management and restoration.
  • Exploring existing ecological data and public databases
  • Fieldwork (if required).
  • Collaborate with students and colleagues.

Specific tasks will be adjusted to candidate’s interest and background.

The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period.

NMBU Måling i vannstrømmer

Competence

The applicant must document expertise and interest in the research subject. The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD program at NMBU. The applicant must have an academically relevant education corresponding to a five-year master’s degree or a cand.med.vet. degree, with a learning outcome corresponding to the descriptions in the Norwegian Qualification Framework, second cycle. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background from previous studies and be able to document proficiency in both written and oral English. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations. and the relevant PhD program description.

Required Academic qualifications:

  • Master’s degree within a relevant scientific field, such as Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Scientific computing, Applied Math or Physics.
  • Experience with computer coding (Phyton, R or any other coding language)

The following experiences and skills will be advantageous:

  • Basic knowledge on finite element method
  • Modelling experience.
  • Practical use of geographical information systems (GIS)
  • Experience from water- or environmental management
  • Experience with academic writing

You need to:

  • be solution oriented and possess the ability for independent work displaying initiative and careful thought
  • have an analytical and academic approach to research questions
  • have good collaborative/social skills
  • have a keen interest in exploring data and computer codes
  • have strong skills in written English

Remuneration and further information

The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1017 PhD. Fellow. PhD. Fellows are normally placed in pay grade 54 (NOK 532.200,-) on the Norwegian Government salary scale upon employment and follow ordinary meriting regulations.

Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Nils-Otto Kitterød, Assoc. Professor

E-mail: nils-otto.kitterod@nmbu.no; phone +47 67 23 18 22

Information for PhD applicants and general information to applicants

Rovdyrsinventering

Application

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply for this job’ button above. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Application deadline: 06.10.2023

In the application, the candidate must confirm that information and documentation (in the form of attachments) submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process.

Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.

The following documents must be attached to the application:

  • Motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
  • Complete CV 
  • Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Diploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached.
  • Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system.
  • Documentation of proficiency in written and oral English in accordance with NMBU PhD regulation section 5-2 (3). 
  • Names and contact details for two references.
  • Additional relevant documentation of professional knowledge (for example, list of scientific works). If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution for publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.

About The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management

The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA) works with nature and the environment, sustainable use of natural resources, biological and geological processes.

MINA’s employees undertake teaching, research and dissemination within the fields of geology, hydrology and limnology, soil science, environmental chemistry, forestry, ecology, natural resource management, renewable energy, and nature-based tourism.

Our vision is to be a key actor in knowledge production and dissemination, and our goal is to deliver research of high, international quality, and varied and excellent teaching. The faculty’s employees are significant participants within their respective fields of expertise, both nationally and internationally. The faculty is dominated by a vital research culture and high levels of scientific production.

The faculty has about 200 employees, 90 PhD students and 650 students.

Read more about MINA here.

Bilde av Tårnbygningen og parken

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

NMBU will contribute to securing the future of life through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation. We have the country’s most satisfied university students, who receive research-based education in a unique student environment. Our graduates gain a high level of competence in interdisciplinary collaboration and are popular in the labor market. NMBU has internationally leading research environments in several subjects. Together with our partners in society and business, we contribute to solving some of the biggest societal challenges of our time.

We focus on innovation, communication and entrepreneurship because we believe these challenges are best solved with joint efforts. We believe that a good working environment is characterized by diversity.If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no/en

Read the job description at the university homepage

Apply for this job

Deadline

6th October 2023

Post expires on Friday October 6th, 2023

PhD scholarship within the use of machine learning for CT-scanning of wood

1st October 2023Languages

English

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Do you want to develop modern data analysis for the timber industry?

About the position

Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management at Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 3-year PhD–position related to the use of artificial intelligence for CT-scanning of wood.

Industrial computer tomography (CT) scanning of logs is becoming a more widespread tool in sawmills and has proven to considerably increase the volume of high-value sawn timber. CT-scanning of logs provides information on the interior structure of the logs before sawing, and this information can be used when optimising the yield of sawn timber.

Wood is a natural material, and the properties depend on growth and development of the trees in the forests. This applies in particular to knot properties, which are highly dependent on the crown development of the trees. Size of knots and whether knots are sound or dead are important factors for the quality of sawn timber products. These properties can be detected with CT-scanning, but the current technology provides only limited accuracy in cases with low contrast in the CT-images.

We seek a PhD candidate who will apply machine learning techniques to detect knots from CT-images of logs. Datasets containing information about knot properties, forestry data and CT-scanning images will be recorded. The candidate will investigate whether the algorithms for knot detection by CT-scanning can be improved by using machine learning, and by combining data from the forest with data obtained from CT-scanning. By following these goals the PhD candidate will help us develop an artificial intelligence framework to improve the sawmilling industry’s ability to utilise the forests’ natural resources more efficiently and more sustainably.

The position is part of the project «Wood Artifcial Intelligence —Knot Modelling by Computed Tomography», which is a cooperation between Sweden, Germany and Norway. Some of the work might be done at Luleå University of Technology in Skellefteå, Sweden.

The applicant is made aware that an application for a PhD position at NMBU is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD program at the institution. The documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met must be uploaded as an attachment.

Main tasks

  • Procure data on knot properties to be used for statistical modelling and for training of machine learning models
  • Develop models describing knot diameter and distribution of sound and dead knots in Norway spruce and Scots pine
  • Develop machine learning models for the detection of knot properties from CT-scanning

The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period.

NMBU Studenter i parken

Competence

The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. The applicant must have an academically relevant education corresponding to a five-year master’s degree or a cand.med.vet. degree, with a learning outcome corresponding to the descriptions in the Norwegian Qualification Framework, second cycle. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background from previous studies and be able to document proficiency in both written and oral English. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.

The applicant must document expertise and interest in the research subject.

Required Academic qualifications

  • Master’s degree within a relevant scientific field, such as Data science, Computer science, Statistics or Wood science and technology
  • Programming experience or education

The following experiences and skills will be emphasized:

  • Experience with machine learning and deep learning
  • Experience with statistical modelling
  • Skills in a Scandinavian language (written and oral)

You need to:

  • Have a high degree of motivation
  • Have good analytical skills
  • Have good communication skills
  • Be able to work both independently and in an interdisciplinary group
  • Be fluent in English (written and oral)

Remuneration and further information

The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1017 PhD. Fellow. PhD. Fellows are normally placed in pay grade 54 (NOK 532.200, -) on the Norwegian Government salary scale upon employment and follow ordinary meriting regulations.

Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars.

For further information, please contact Professor Geir I. Vestøl,

E-mail: geir.vestol@nmbu.no; phone +47 67231736

Information for PhD applicants and general information to applicants

Rovdyrsinventering

Application

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply for this job’ button above.

Application deadline: 01.10.2023

This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

About The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management

The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA) works with nature and the environment, sustainable use of natural resources, biological and geological processes.

MINA’s employees undertake teaching, research and dissemination within the fields of geology, hydrology and limnology, soil science, environmental chemistry, forestry, ecology, natural resource management, renewable energy, and nature-based tourism.

Our vision is to be a key actor in knowledge production and dissemination, and our goal is to deliver research of high, international quality, and varied and excellent teaching. The faculty’s employees are significant participants within their respective fields of expertise, both nationally and internationally. The faculty is dominated by a vital research culture and high levels of scientific production.

The faculty has about 200 employees, 90 PhD students and 650 students.

Read more about MINA here.

Bilde av Tårnbygningen og parken

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

NMBU will contribute to securing the future of life through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation. We have the country’s most satisfied university students, who receive research-based education in a unique student environment. Our graduates gain a high level of competence in interdisciplinary collaboration and are popular in the labor market. NMBU has internationally leading research environments in several subjects. Together with our partners in society and business, we contribute to solving some of the biggest societal challenges of our time.

We focus on innovation, communication and entrepreneurship because we believe these challenges are best solved with joint efforts. We believe that a good working environment is characterized by diversity.If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no/en

Read the job description at the university homepage

Apply for this job

Deadline

1st October 2023

Post expires on Sunday October 1st, 2023