About the position

A 2-year position as Head Engineer (SKO 1087) is available at the Department of Psychology, University of Oslo. The focus of this position is to construct a local genomics database, including in-house genetic data and interfaces to public databases. The position is affiliated with the Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition (https://www.oslobrains.no/)

LCBC is an international and multi-disciplinary research center. It coordinates a large EU funded project studying lifespan changes in brain and cognition, ‘LifeBrain’ (https://www.lifebrain.uio.no/), and a number of projects funded by the ERC, the Norwegian Research Council, and The National Health Association. LCBC was in 2015, as one of five, appointed status as a “world leading” research group at the University of Oslo.

More about the position

The position will be for a period of two years. Our center has collected genetic (SNP, DNA methylation; proteomic), brain imaging (MRI, fMRI, and PET) and cognitive data from a large number of participants. During these two years the candidate is expected to build a local database focusing on genetic data, which includes genotypes, DNA methylation, protein levels, etc.

It is also required that the candidate can work with public datasets, such as UK Biobank data, KEEG database, STRING databases, etc. The candidate will be expected to apply suitable quality controls on the raw data, make easy-to-use analytic pipelines, and provide advices on bioinformatics. In addition, the candidates will be expected to work closely with other researchers, PhD and post doc fellows from LCBC.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in bioinformatics or similar fields, with documented experience in genomics, transcriptomics or proteomics data analyses.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Experience within at least one of following languages: R, Python, Matlab, and with the Linux computational environment.
• Experience with genetic software, PLINK, GCTA, GATK, etc.
• Candidates who are well organized and self-motivated will be preferred.

We offer

• Salary (NOK 472 000 - 523 200 per year), depending on experience and qualifications.
• An ambitious and exciting research environment with a strong multidisciplinary profile and excellent opportunities for academic development.
• Attractive welfare benefits (https://www.uio.no/english/for-employees/employment/welfare/), including excellent benefits for families (kindergarten, paid paternal/maternal leave, etc.) and a generous pension agreement. In addition, Oslo offers a highly family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities in its immediate surroundings.

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, including a brief career plan).
• CV (summarizing education, positions, academic output [publications, software, code, etc]).
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only).
• A complete list of publications, if any (including preprints with valid links).
• List of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our recruiting system.

Formal regulations

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results, etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

• Assoc. prof. Yunpeng Wang, phone number: +47 46559652, e-mail: yunpeng.wang@psykologi.uio.no
• Prof. Kristine B. Walhovd, e-mail: k.b.walhovd@psykologi.uio.no
• Prof. Anders M. Fjell, e-mail: a.m.fjell@psykologi.uio.no

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