PhD Fellowship in Meaning-Centric Bio-Inspired Communication Systems

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

About the Position

The fellowship is part of the research initiative “Meaning-Centric Bio-Inspired Communication Systems (SENSUS)” - a project fundedd by the Research Council of Norway with an award of 12 MNOK. This project is conducted by a cross-disciplinary supervisory team from the Intervention centre (IVS), Oslo University Hospital (Rikshospitalet), and collaborating research groups in the Oslo University Hospital (Radiumhospitalet), Germany and Denmark. The SENSUS project challenges the traditional notion that communication quality is defined only by accuracy. Instead, it explores a meaning-centric, bio-inspired paradigm for intra-body biomedical applications, including validation of theories for drug delivery.

About the PhD project

The PhD project explores the development and implementation of an information- and communication theoretical framework for bio-inspired intra-body communication systems by introducing a semantic layer that enables goal-oriented molecular messaging. This would include:

• Developing a physics-informed, diffusion-based models that capture how biological signals propagate across space and time, providing a realistic representation of physiological processes.
• Embedding emerging semantic information theory concepts into the modeling framework, enabling more meaningful performance evaluation beyond traditional metrics.
• Applying the framework to real-world data (e.g., from prostate cancer treatment using extracellular vesicle–based drug delivery), with the aim of improving therapeutic optimisation beyond conventional pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic approaches.
• Developing and sharing open-source tools and practical guidelines to support adoption of semantic information theory in biomedical ICT.

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!

Arbeidsoppgaver

Responsibilities

The PhD candidate will:

• Develop, implement, and refine physics-informed computational models of bio-inspired communication systems
• Conduct research in semantic information theory for bio-inspired communication systems
• Apply the established theoretical models to experimental datasets
• Contribute to scientific publications and collaborative research activities
  

Contact Information

• Main supervisor: Dr. Mladen Veletić, mlavel@ous-hf.no, The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital
• Co-supervisors:
  • Prof. Ilangko Balasingham, i.s.balasingham@ous-research.no
  • Dr. Mohammad Zoofaghari, mohzoo@ous-hf.no, The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital
  • Prof. Alicia Llorente, a.l.martinez@medisin.uio.no, Inst. Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital

Kvalifikasjoner (overskrift)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline (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:           
  • Communication and information theory, differential equations, probability/statistics, and numerical methods, with experience in computational modelling or simulation.           
  • Programming skills in Python and/or MATLAB.

Perferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with biological systems, biophysics, or medical data (e.g., drug delivery, cell biology, or physiological modelling) is an advantage
• Publication record is an advantage
• 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)                
    • ambridge CAE/CPE: Grade A or B

    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

We Offer

• A stimulating and internationally oriented research environment
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Family-friendly surroundings with excellent cultural and outdoor opportunities in Oslo
• Employee benefits (e.g., professional development programs)

Salary

• NOK 550,800 – 595,000 per year (depending on qualifications)
• 2% pension contribution deducted
• Salary stated before tax

Kontaktinformasjon

Mladen Veletic , Project Leader, main supervisor, 46632160, mladen.veletic@ous-hf.no

Ilangko Balasingham, Professor, Head of Section for Medical ICT Research, ilangko.balasingham@ous-research.no

Arbeidssted

Sognsvannsveien 20

0372 Oslo

Nøkkelinformasjon:

Arbeidsgiver: Oslo universitetssykehus HF

Referansenr.: 5149487778

Stillingsprosent: 100%

Engasjement

Søknadsfrist: 02.08.2026