Simula Research Laboratory

Oslo

Institution: AI Security and Safety Department, Simula Cybersecurity, Oslo, Norway
Position: Fully-funded PhD Candidate (3-4 years) or Postdoctoral Fellow (3 years)
The Opportunity As general-purpose AI systems become more integrated into society, ensuring their safety and alignment with human values is paramount. Simula Cybersecurity is looking for a dedicated researcher to lead our efforts in AI safety red teaming. This role is a chance to define and advance the methodologies for preventing unintended, harmful behaviors in open-source AI models. Your work will focus on the foundational challenges of safety, from mitigating algorithmic bias to ensuring systems remain controllable and transparent.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of trustworthy AI alongside world-class researchers in Oslo, Norway.
Research Focus Areas 
We are seeking candidates with expertise and a strong desire to conduct research in one or more of the following areas:
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Red Teaming Framework for AI Safety: Create a novel, comprehensive framework for assessing and mitigating AI safety risks. This involves moving beyond ad-hoc testing to a systematic, scenario-based approach tailored to the unique challenges of closed and open-source models.
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Bias and Misalignment Probing: Develop new, scalable techniques for automatically detecting and measuring subtle biases and misalignments in large-scale AI models.
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Behavioral Analysis &amp; Interpretability (XAI): Probe the internal workings of black-box AI models to understand the root causes of unintended behavior. Your research will contribute to the field of explainable AI as a tool for safety.
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Ethical and Societal Impacts: Research and document the unique safety flaws that arise from the interaction between AI systems and human society, such as those related to misinformation, social manipulation, or loss of control.
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What We Are Looking For
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For PhD Candidates: An MSc degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
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For Postdoctoral Fellows: A completed PhD in one of the fields mentioned above and a strong publication record.
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Strong programming skills (e.g., Python ) and practical experience with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow).
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A critical thinker with a passion for the ethical and societal implications of AI and a proven ability to conduct independent, interdisciplinary research.
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Excellent analytical and creative problem-solving abilities.
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A collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills in English.
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Significant Advantage: Experience with AI safety concepts, interpretability methods, or a track record of publishing research in academic venues. We are seeking someone who can not only identify problems but also propose and develop concrete solutions to build a safer AI ecosystem.
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What We Offer
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Competitive Salary: A fully-funded position with a competitive salary based on Norwegian national scales (starting from NOK 550.800 for PhD´s and NOK 595.000 for PostDocs.
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Generous Resources: Dedicated funding for conferences, equipment, and international research visits. You will have full access to Simula's high-performance computing (HPC) resources.
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Expert Mentorship: Be integrated into Simula’s dynamic, inclusive, and highly collaborative research community, where researchers at all levels work as colleagues.
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Career Development: Significant opportunities to collaborate with our industry partners and academic networks, and to translate your research into real-world impact.
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Exceptional Environment: Join a vibrant, international work environment in Oslo, a city consistently ranked for its high quality of life and stunning access to nature.
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Numerous benefits: access to company cabin, sponsored social events, generous equipment budgets (e.g., computer, phone and subscription), subsidized canteen meals, comprehensive travel/health insurance policy, etc;
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Relocation assistance: accommodation, visas, complimentary Norwegian language courses, etc.
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**Wellness and work-life balance:**Our employees’ health and well-being are a priority and we encourage them to make use of our flexible work arrangements to help balance their work and home lives efficiently.
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Application ProcessInterested applicants are requested to submit the following:
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Cover Letter (max 1-2 pages): Clearly state whether you are applying for the PhD or Postdoctoral position. Describe your motivation, research interests, and how your background aligns with the project.
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CV: Highlighting your relevant skills, projects, and publications.
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Academic Transcripts: Copies of your Bachelor's and Master's degrees (and PhD for Postdoc applicants).
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Contact Information for 2-3 References.
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Application Deadline: October 7, 2025.
**For inquiries about the position, please contact:**Jostein Jensen, Director of Simula Cyber Security: <a rel="nofollow" href="mailto:jostein@simula.no">jostein@simula.no</a>
We look forward to receiving your application!
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.

Research Fellow / PhD Candidate in AI Safety \& Alignment