PhD Research Fellow in Statistics

About the position

The University of Oslo, Department of Mathematics, Section for Statistics and Data Science, invites applications for a PhD fellowship in statistics. We are looking for a motivated candidate, with a deep interest in mathematical statistics, with a view towards developing new methods for uncertainty quantification.

Starting date no later than October 1st, 2026.

The fellowship period is four years, with 25 percent of the workload being devoted to teaching, supervision, or research assistance.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

Place of work is Department of Mathematics at Blindern, Oslo.

We welcome applicants with a strong background in mathematical statistics (or related fields, e.g., probability, analysis), eager to conduct cutting edge research in the field of uncertainty quantification, in particular the theory and methods known as predictive Bayes. Predictive Bayes theory involves getting Bayesian type uncertainty for parameters given data (i.e., a posterior type distribution over the parameter space) without specifying a model nor a prior. Such methods can in principle be applied to machine learning algorithms in order to get uncertainty estimates for parameters governing the distribution of the observed data. The predictive Bayes scheme for uncertainty quantification contains a wide array of open problems, both theoretical and methodological, and is a field with a fruitful interplay between real world problems, mathematical statistics, and probability. 

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Emil A. Stoltenberg (emilas@math.uio.no) for an informal discussion about possible topics of research related to the themes outlined above. A mature and independent candidate may also research topics not directly linked to the themes outlined above.

What skills are important in this role?

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree, or equivalent, in statistics or a closely related field with a documented competence in statistical theory. Such competence can be documented by graduate-level coursework in probability and statistical inference, a statistics-focused master’s thesis, or relevant publications.
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Candidates without a master’s degree have until June 30, 2026 to complete the final exam.

Desired qualifications:

• The candidate should have a strong background in mathematical statistics and the probability theory underpinning it.
• Experience in one or more of the following is an advantage: large-sample theory/asymptotics/weak convergence of probability measures, martingales, finite-sample statistical theory, concentration inequalities.

Language requirement:

• Good oral and written communication skills in English
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:
  https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8

Grade requirements:
The norm is as follows:

• The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. For more information see:
http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

All candidates and projects will have to undergo a check versus national export, sanctions and security regulations. Candidates may be excluded based on these checks. Primary checkpoints are the Export Control regulation, the Sanctions regulation, and the national security regulation.

What are we looking for in you?

Personal skills:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work precise in a structured manner and swiftly adapts to new tasks
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Positive attitude and the ability to handle hectic periods

Employment in the position is based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualification requirements applicable to the position, including personal qualifications.

We can offer you

• A unique research environment with multiple opportunities to develop research themes at the forefront of modern science
• A friendly, inclusive, and collaborative international working environment at Integreat that values diverse perspectives
• Access to a strong network of top-level national and international collaborators
• Good welfare schemes
• Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours
• A workplace with good development and career opportunities
• Career development programmes
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• Salary in position as PhD Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK from 550 800 - 595 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund 

We need different perspectives in our work

UiO is an open and internationally oriented comprehensive university that strives to be an inclusive and diverse workplace and academic environment. You can read more about UiO’s work on equality, inclusion, and diversity at uio.no.

We fulfill our mission most effectively when we draw upon our variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. We are looking for great colleagues, could you be the next one?

We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Relevant adjustments may include modifications to working hours, task adaptations, digital, technical, or physical adjustments, or other practical measures.

If you have an immigrant background, a disability, or CV gaps (Norwegian), we encourage you to indicate this in the job application portal. We always invite at least one qualified candidate from each group for an interview. In this context, disability is defined as an applicant who identifies as having a disability that requires workplace or employment-related accommodations. For more details about the requirements, please refer to the Employer portal (Norwegian).

The selections made in the job application portal are used for anonymized statistics that all state employers include in their annual reports. More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here. 

We hope you will apply for the position with us.

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests, max. 1 page
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records (see below)
• Documentation of English proficiency if applicable
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee, if relevant
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

Application with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system Jobbnorge, click "Apply for this job". Foreign applicants should attach an official explanation of their University's grading system.

When applying for the position, we ask you to retrieve your education results from Vitnemålsportalen.no. If your education results are not available through Vitnemålsportalen, we ask you to upload copies of your transcripts or grades. Please note that all documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

General information

The best qualified candidates will invited for interviews.

Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we can't, you will hear from us.

Please refer to Regulations for the Act on universities and colleges chapter 3 (Norwegian), Guidelines concerning appointment to post doctoral and research posts at UiO (Norwegian) and Regulations for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the University of Oslo.  

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.