About the research group
Section for Medical Information and Communication Technology (Medical ICT Research), The Intervention Centre (see: http://www.ivs.no), at Oslo University Hospital offers a full-time PhD Fellowship. The recruited PhD Fellow will be part of the Wireless Sensor Network Research Group of Professor Ilangko Balasingham and will be enrolled in the PhD program at the University of Oslo

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is crucial for solving our tasks in the best possible way. We want this diversity to be reflected among the applicants for our positions, and we encourage all qualified candidates, regardless of background, to apply!

The fellowship is part of the SYNAPSE (SYnergetic Network-AI Platform for Semantic Efficiency) project, funded by the Research Council of Norway (12 MNOK).

SYNAPSE addresses a critical gap in next-generation networks: the disconnect between distributed AI processes and network infrastructure. The project develops an AI-native ecosystem where communication and computation co-evolve through cross-layer awareness, integrating semantic hypergraph intelligence, urgency-weighted federated learning, and multi-agent reinforcement learning for mission-critical healthcare applications. The framework is validated through remote patient monitoring scenarios, targeting substantial improvements in latency, reliability, and energy efficiency.

For more information, visit the SYNAPSE project page at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/synapse-ous
Supervision by Dr. Roufaida Laidi (PI), Prof. Ilangko Balasingham, and Dr. Hemin Qadir

International collaboration network, including partners at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. 

Contact Information
Project leader/PI: Dr. Roufaida Laidi – roulai@ous-hf.no
Prof. Ilangko Balasingham – i.s.balasingham@ous-research

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is crucial for solving our tasks in the best possible way. We want this diversity to be reflected among the applicants for our positions, and we encourage all qualified candidates, regardless of background, to apply!

Kvalifikasjoner:

Required Qualifications:

• MSc degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (120 ECTS), including a thesis
• BSc degree (180 ECTS)
• Strong academic performance (minimum grade B; A preferred)
• Master’s thesis graded B or better (Norwegian system or equivalent)
• Strong background in:
  

1. Machine Learning / Deep Learning (PyTorch or TensorFlow)
2. Graph Neural Networks, Reinforcement Learning, Federated Learning, or Network Optimization (at least one)
3. Solid Python programming; experience with distributed or networked systems is a plus
4. Publication record is an advantage
   

 

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with semantic communication, network simulation, or software-defined networking
• Familiarity with hypergraph or higher-order network models
• Publications in relevant peer-reviewed venues
• Interest in healthcare AI applications and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Experience with HPC environments and large-scale experiments
  

Language Requirements:

Applicants who are not proficient in a Scandinavian language must document English proficiency through one of the following:

TOEFL: ≥ 600 (paper-based) or ≥ 92 (internet-based)

IELTS (Academic): ≥ 6.5 (no section below 5.5)

Cambridge CAE/CPE: Grade A or B   

Personlige egenskaper:

     Personal Qualities:

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Structured, precise, and adaptable working style


Strong communication and teamwork skills


Positive attitude and ability to manage a dynamic work environment


High level of professionalism and work ethic

Vi tilbyr:

We Offer

• A fully funded 3-year PhD position at one of Europe’s leading university hospital
• Salary according to the Norwegian state salary scale (approx. NOK 550,800–587,000/year)
• Access to high-performance computing infrastructure at OUS and national e-infrastructure services
• An inclusive, interdisciplinary research environment at the Intervention Centre, OUS
• Generous benefits including pension, insurance, and welfare schemes through the Norwegian public sector
• Family-friendly surroundings with excellent cultural and outdoor opportunities in Oslo