Job description

A 50% researcher position for 2 years within statistics is available at the department of nutrition, Institute of basic medical sciences, UiO. The position is linked to the NFR-funded project NOR-Eden. We are interested in qualified and motivated applicants, and offer development in a stimulating academic environment.

More about the position

Unhealthy diets pose a major challenge to public health, and today's food production contributes a significant proportion of the world's climate and environmental burden. In the NOR-Eden project, we will investigate how we can put together a diet that is both good for health and that gives a climate and environmental footprint that is sustainable over time, while at the same time taking into account Norwegian food production and food culture. We have established a database with information on various climate and environmental indicators such as e.g. greenhouse gas emissions, water and land consumption. The database is integrated into an existing infrastructure (diet calculation program KBS) which already contains information about food and nutrients.

From a statistical point of view, the aim is to determine optimal diets with a minimal climate- and environmental footprint, and other multiple constrains. Uncertainty quantification of resulting diets will be important. Stochastic and mathematical optimisations will be important methods.

The researcher will work closely with several others on the NOR-Eden project and at the Oslo Center for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE). An important task for the researcher will be the development and guidance in the use of different statistical tools for analyzing the data in the NOR-Eden project for both PhD candidates and other researchers on the project.

The researcher will be associated with the section for nutritional epidemiology at the department of nutrition. The section for nutritional epidemiology works, among other things, with the development of dietary methodology, diet in different population groups, the composition of foods and the role of foods in the diet, as well as the connection between diet and health. The researcher will also be part of the OCBE research community and collaborate with collaborators on the project from NIBIO, CICERO (Centre for climate research) and FHI

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in statistics
• High working capacity, independent, but must enjoy working in a team and possess good collaboration skills
• Previous experience of using R or matlab, as well as previous experience of working with larger data sets is emphasized
• Previous and relevant scientific publications or manuscripts are emphasized
• Good knowledge of English (oral and written)

Personal skills

The announced researcher position is interdisciplinary with both nutrition and statistics as main topics.

We are looking for a person who;

• Works systematically and independently
• Has strong programming skills
• Has good collaboration and communication skills and is proactive
• Has good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Have a desire to work as part of an ambitious, interdisciplinary research team

We offer

• Salary NOK 544 400- 648 700 per annum ( 100% position) depending on qualifications
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

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.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

• Professor Lene Frost Andersen, email: l.f.andersen@medisin.uio.no

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