Researcher in artificial intelligence for future healthcare solutions

The position

An exciting position as Researcher is available in the Department of Computer Science within the TRUSTING project (https://trusting-project.eu/). The project is funded by the EU until 31st December 2028. The position is for one year initially. The research focuses on voice and language-based AI for psychosis relapse detection and will be conducted within a thriving research group that has recently received grants of excellence.

The goal is to contribute broadly to research on applications of AI in medicine, specifically to the development and validation of novel computational language models, algorithms, and tools for spoken language-based detection of schizophrenia relapse in 6 different languages.

The workplace is at UiT in Tromsø. Ideally, you can start as soon as possible but must be able to start in the position in Tromsø within a reasonable time after receiving the offer. 

TRUSTING is a research project where an international interdisciplinary team are developing a machine learning based monitoring system that leverages spoken language processing (SLP) and natural language processing (NLP) of speech recorded at home to calculate relapse risk. The developed monitoring system will be used in a forthcoming randomized clinical trial where the goal is to validate the clinical outcomes of those affected by schizophrenia. Within this project, we are seeking a researcher with a strong computer science background to take an active role in developing novel machine learning based systems and tools on the path towards clinical use and implementation of AI for the treatment and care of patients. The candidate will contribute broadly to the project to enable the development of new algorithms for clinical AI based on patient data from heterogeneous sources notably language/speech-based sources. The activity will focus on the development of a prototype implementation of early warning- and other AI-based decision support systems to study the effectiveness and safety of a novel clinical decision tool that is based on SLP/NLP and utilizes large language models. The monitoring system has three main parts, namely a secure backend for recording sounds from mobile phones, a platform for data cleaning and machine learning model development, and a front-end app used by the patients. Therefore, an interest in working with state-of-the-art MLOps technology is an advantage. The project will focus on interaction with clinicians, with a goal of closing the gap between foundational research in machine learning and the clinical use of machine learning methods for the benefit of patients from a healthcare point of view. Hence, the work will be conducted in a highly interdisciplinary research environment and the candidates will collaborate with an international team consisting of clinicians, researchers in science and technology, health, industry partners, as well as personnel responsible for ICT, data security, privacy concerns and more. 

The UiT team will collaborate with the other research teams within the TRUSTING consortium. 

Further information about the position and UiT is available by contacting: 

• Professor Brita Elvevåg: phone +47 91993063; email: [email protected] 
• Professor Lars Ailo Bongo: phone +47 92015508; email: [email protected] 
• Associate Prof. Sandra Just, phone +49 1771966546; email: [email protected]

General and administrative questions: 

• Head of administration Martin Fjellvang Osima, phone +47 77 64 62 44; email: [email protected] 

We are looking for applicants with a strong background, interest and expertise in computer science research with a focus on machine learning methods for the health domain, with strong coding skills and familiarity with state-of-the-art machine learning frameworks. We would like an interested, active and highly motivated candidate who likes to explore new technologies, and who is an independent thinker but also a team player who will enjoy collaborating with other researchers and clinicians. 

The position requires 

• a PhD degree in computer science or a related field (e.g., computational behavioral science) 
• a publication record that document solid expertise in computer science
• strong technical skills 
• since the position is part of an interdisciplinary project, close interaction with other project participants will be required.
• good communication skills in English are necessary and documented fluency in English is required.
• personal suitability: Our working culture is important to us. We will emphasize the applicants motivation for the position and personal suitability. We are looking for candidates who display the following:
  • Collegial team player, ability to cooperate and communicate well with other members of staff and contribute to a good working
    environment.
  • Strong networking skills, ability to collaborate and conduct scientific leadership
  • Interest in strategy and strategic development of the department.
  • Good communication skills and ability to engage with academic, stakeholder and public audiences.

An advantage:  

• previous experience in natural language processing, sound-based machine learning, development and deployment of health technology software is considered a benefit. 
• experience with explainable and interpretable AI methods applied within medical contexts, notably in clinical decision systems, would be an advantage. 
• previous experience in systems development, data management, networking, and applied machine learning is also considered an advantage. 
• it is also beneficial if the applicant has an interest and previous experience with inter-disciplinary or industry collaboration. 
• candidates with research experience and relevant publications in conferences and journals will be considered with higher priority

For a permanent position as researcher it requires proficiency in a Scandinavian language equivalent to level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). New employees who do not fulfill the language criteria by appointment are required, within three years, to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language. Arrangements will be made to facilitate the completion of Norwegian courses.

During this assessment process, emphasis will be placed on your potential for research as evidenced by a thesis and any other academic works. In addition, we may consider work experience or other activities of significance. The assessment will emphasize motivation and personal suitability for the position.

 At UiT we put emphasis on the quality, relevance and significance of the research work and not on where the work is published, in accordance with the principles of The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). 

UiT wishes to increase the proportion of females in academic positions. In cases where two or more applicants are found to be approximately equally qualified, female applicants will be given priority. 

We will evaluate you based only on the documentation that you submit with the application. 

The application and submitted documents must be sent electronically via www.jobbnorge.no and must contain:

• Letter of application – this should include a short description of your background and its relevance to the advertised position, as well as a summary of your motivation for applying for this position. Please make it clear why you consider yourself qualified for this position and describe how you will strengthen the research activity in the research team (e.g., a vision statement).
• CV with complete overview of education, supervised professional training, professional experience, and list of scientific publications.
• Description of your academic production, stating which works you consider most important and of relevance to this position. A brief description of the other listed works should also be included to demonstrate breadth of production. These descriptions shall be an attachment to the application. 
• Description of your academic and software production and links to any open-source code.
• Up to five academic works. The doctoral thesis is regarded as one work. 
• Diplomas and transcripts (all academic degrees) 
• Contact information to 2-3 references 
• Documentation of English proficiency 

All documentation to be considered must be in a Scandinavian language or English. We only accept applications and documentation sent via Jobbnorge within the application deadline. The applicant will be assessed by an expert committee. 

• Participation in an excellent and thriving research group that has recently received a prestigious ERC Synergy grant (https://erc.europa.eu/news-events/news/synergy-grants-2023-examples-projects) 
• A productive, collaborative, and stimulating environment with researchers working on cutting-edge medical applications of artificial intelligence and speech technologies
• Flexible working hours and a state collective pay agreement 
• Pension scheme through the state pension fund 
• The possibility to balance professional development with a location to experience the liberating arctic nature: ski under the northern lights, hike and bike along the fjords 
• Good welfare arrangements for employees
• Norwegian health policy aims to ensure that everyone, irrespective of their personal finances and where they live, has access to good health and care services of equal standard. As an employee you will become member of the National Insurance Scheme which also include health care services. 
• If you have to relocate to Tromsø then the Faculty of Science and Technology may reimburse your moving costs. Further details
  regarding this matter will be made available if you receive an offer from us.

More practical information for working and living in Norway can be found here: https://uit.no/staffmobility

The appointment is made in accordance with State regulations and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for
applicants.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with 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.
 

After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.
 

More information about moving to Norway and working at UiT: http://uit.no/mobility
 

The remuneration for the position is in accordance with the State salary scale code 1109, with a gross annual salary ranging from NOK 670000 to 730000 (in a 100% position)  (In special cases, a higher salary may be considered.)

A compulsory contribution of 2 % to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will be deducted. As a state employee, you will have one of the best pension schemes available. For more information see: spk.no

Employees who have been temporarily employed at UiT continuously for more than three years shall be deemed to be permanently employed, cf. the Civil Service Act § 9 (3).

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. 

In case of discrepancies between the Norwegian and the English version of this description, the Norwegian version takes precedence.

Om arbeidsgiveren:

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is an internationally leading broad-based university. Our vision is to be a driving force in the North. The Northern Sami term eallju, which means diligence, sets the tone for UiT's drive. Together with students, staff, and society at large, we will utilizeour location in Northern Norway and Sápmi, our academic breadth, and interdisciplinary advantages to shape the future.

UiT has approximately18,000 students, more than 4,000 employees, and is established across four main campuses and seven additional study locations in Northern Norway and on Svalbard. Our largest campuses are Tromsø, Alta ,Narvik, and Harstad. UiT has seven faculties, 40 departments and centers, and leading research environments in various fields. The university offers 269 study programs and focuses on
educational quality.

Academic freedom, scientific principles, and research ethics form the foundation of all UiT'sactivities. Participation, co-determination,
transparency, and sound processes will provide the basis for making wise and forward-looking decisions. Our students and staff will have the opportunity to develop their abilities and potential. Rooted in scientific integrity, we aim to be bold, engaged, and generous -closely connected to
academia, people, and contemporary developments

See: UiTs strategi mot 2030