PhD Scholarship in AI for Forest Robotics at NIBIO – Norway

Summary

The Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) offers a three‑year, full‑time PhD research fellowship in AI for Forest Robotics, based in Ås, Norway. The fellow will be enrolled at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences and will develop machine‑learning architectures for real‑time interpretation of LiDAR point‑clouds and camera imagery to support robot navigation in forest environments. Responsibilities include model development, compact representation design, implementation on embedded hardware, and field validation in Norwegian forests. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field, possess strong Python and deep‑learning experience, and be proficient in English. The position provides a salary of NOK 555,000–635,000, pension, insurance, low‑interest loans, and flexible working conditions.

Key Facts

About the Project

The project seeks to enable forest robots to understand and navigate complex forest environments in real time. By applying machine‑learning techniques to LiDAR point clouds and camera imagery, the research will develop incremental segmentation and interpretation models, compact forest‑structure representations, and robust localization methods, ultimately allowing robots to make safe navigation decisions under incomplete and noisy sensor data.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop machine‑learning architectures that incrementally interpret 3D point‑cloud data as new observations arrive
• Investigate compact representations of forest structure for localization, place recognition, and scene understanding
• Adapt models to live sensor data that may be sparse, unevenly sampled, motion‑distorted, or partially observed
• Implement and evaluate systems on embedded hardware and NIBO robot platforms
• Support robot navigation, self‑localization, and traversability assessment
• Participate in outdoor fieldwork and validate research systems in Norwegian forests

Required Skills

• Experience implementing and modifying deep‑learning architectures
• Strong Python programming skills with PyTorch or TensorFlow
• Strong spoken and written English
• Willingness and physical ability to participate in outdoor fieldwork in Norwegian forests

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a completed Master’s degree or equivalent five‑year degree in data science, machine learning, robotics or a related discipline, who have experience building deep‑learning models, strong Python programming skills, and can work independently on open‑ended research problems. Candidates must demonstrate strong spoken and written English, be willing and physically able to conduct outdoor fieldwork in Norwegian forests, and meet eligibility for admission to the PhD programme at NMBU.

Benefits

• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Occupational injury and group life insurance
• Access to low‑interest home loans
• Interdisciplinary research work
• Flexible working arrangements
• Employee welfare schemes

About the Employer

The Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) conducts interdisciplinary research on bio‑based solutions. It hosts the Forest Operations and Digitalization department in Ås, Norway, and collaborates with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences for PhD training. The institute offers state‑scale salaries, comprehensive pension and insurance benefits, and a supportive research environment.