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PhD in Open-Ended AI: Novel Methods for Enabling Novelty and Creativity in AI Systems

**Job Description**
This Ph.D. project is a Doctoral Research Fellowship in Open-Ended Artificial Intelligence, available at Østfold University College. The position focuses on basic research to explore how AI systems can autonomously set and pursue novel goals, adapt to new challenges, and continue learning over time while remaining aligned with ethical and societal values. The research places emphasis on developing non-obtrusive ways to interface with the human creative process, particularly focusing on real-time interactions. The project is part of the “The Digital Society” research initiative and the national AI centre “MishMash,” and may involve work with Neural Cellular Automata, Abstraction and Reasoning, Bio-Inspired and Neuro-Inspired AI, Artificial Evolutionary and Developmental Systems, Alignment, Social Learning, Cultural Evolution, and other Artificial Life techniques.

**Skills & Abilities**
• Motivation and potential in the field of research.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with other researchers, as well as the ability to be innovative and creative.
• Ability to challenge the status quo and promote new initiatives.
• Ability to see the big picture and take broader considerations into account.
• Ability to set challenging goals and work hard to achieve them.
• Ability to identify and act on unresolved issues.
• Positive and enthusiastic demeanor, even in difficult situations.
• Ability to initiate activities and projects independently.
• Ability to work together with others across established reporting lines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Good collaboration skills and an ability to join interdisciplinary academic communities.

**Qualifications**
Required Degree(s) in:
• Computer Science
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Neuroscience
• Other related disciplines relevant for the position
Required:
• Completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits according to Norwegian standard definitions).
• Awarded the grade B or better for the Master thesis, in terms of the Norwegian grading scale (grade C candidates considered if research summary is of excellent quality).
• For international candidates (outside EU/EEA), approved TOEFL English proficiency test with min. score 90 or IELTS test with min. score 7.5.

**Experience**
Other:
• Prior academic and/or research experience, particularly within the field of biologically inspired AI, artificial life, complex systems, and related fields.
• Interest in fundamental AI research, neuroscience, biology, and music.

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Experience
Other: • Prior academic and/or research experience, particularly within the field of biologically inspired AI, artificial life, complex systems, and related fields. • Interest in fundamental AI research, neuroscience, biology, and music.
Work Level
Ph.D
Employment Type
Scholarship
Salary
Annual Salary: NOK 590,000 - 600,000 (gross, with 3% annual increase during the period) Benefits: Beneficial pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund; good employee welfare arrangements.
Valid Until
October 12, 2025
Details
Full-time / Temporary Duration: 3 years Location Requirement: Campus-based, Halden, Norway
School / Department / Center / Lab
• Faculty of Computer Science, Engineering and Economics • MishMash centre • The Digital Society (research initiative) • AI Hub
Supervisor(s)
Professor Stefano Nichele
Supervisor Email
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Østfold University College (ØUC)
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