NMBU PhD Position Within Causal Machine Learning 2026

The Department of Data Science at Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), within the Faculty of Science and Technology(REALTEK), invites applications for a PhD position in Applied Causal Machine Learning. The position is affiliated with aiD, one of Norway’s national AI research centers focused on trustworthy, data-driven AI systems for critical industries.
The PhD position is for a period of 3 years, with a desired start date of 1st of October 2026.
aiD is a national flagship AI centre established to develop AI systems that humans can audit, understand, and trust. The centre works with applications in domains such as energy systems, health and medicine, logistics, infrastructure, and industrial operations.

The PhD project will focus on the intersection of machine learning, causal inference, and classical statistical methods. A central objective is to develop methods that move beyond correlation-based prediction toward causal reasoning, intervention-aware modelling, and interpretable AI systems. This transition from correlation to causation is considered a key challenge for trustworthy AI, particularly in settings where models support actions, interventions, and high-stakes decision-making.
The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment with opportunities for collaboration across academia and industry partners nationally and internationally.

Main tasks

• Pursue and complete doctoral training leading to the award of a PhD degree.
• Undertake innovative and rigorous research on causal machine learning.
• Disseminate research outcomes through scholarly publications and public engagement activities.
• Collaborate with researchers and practitioners through the aiD network and related national initiatives.
• Contribute to the scientific development and collaborative activities of the Data Science research group.
• Participate in international research collaborations, conferences, and academic exchange opportunities.

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 contract period

• Table of Content
• About Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
• NMBU PhD Position Within Causal Machine Learning PhD Position
• Aim and Benefits of NMBU PhD Position Within Causal Machine Learning PhD Position
• Requirements for NMBU PhD Position Within Causal Machine Learning PhD Position Qualification
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

NMBU PhD Position Within Causal Machine Learning PhD Position

Aim and Benefits of NMBU PhD Position Within Causal Machine Learning PhD Position

• Salary in position as PhD Research Fellow, position code 1017, 550 800 NOK.
• For exceptionally well qualified candidates a higher salary may be considered.

Requirements for NMBU PhD Position Within Causal Machine Learning PhD Position Qualification

Required qualifications

• A Master's degree or equivalent in in statistics, machine learning, computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, cybernetics, economics, data science, or a related field. Foreign degrees must correspond with the admission criteria for the PhD program.
• In the Master’s degree, both the average grade point and grade on the Master’s thesis must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system. Applicants who have recently graduated with excellent results may be given preference.
• Proficiency in both written and oral English in correspondence with the admission criteria for the PhD program.
• Solid mathematics, including multi-dimensional calculus, linear algebra, probability theory, (Bayesian) statistics, optimization and elementary graph theory
• Familiar with machine learning and deep learning
• Programming experience (Python or Julia) and their ecosystems (numpy, scipy, matplotlib)
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position.

Qualifications considered an advantage

• Experience with research on causality
• Experience with advanced Bayesian statistics, optimization or graph theory
• Experience with modern DeepLearning
• Domain knowledge in one or more application field of aiD

Personal qualities

• Curiosity
• Ability to both work in groups and independent
• Good collaboration skills and an ability to join interdisciplinary academic communities
• Good communicative skills

Documents Required for Application

The following documents must be attached to the application:

• Motivation letter
• CV
• Certified copies of relevant academic diplomas and certificates. 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
• 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.

Your CV must be entered in Jobbnorge's CV form and not just included as an attachment.

Check also:
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Contact: Associate Professor Alexander Stasik

• E-mail: [email protected]

For more information, kindly visit NMBU webpage.