Job description

Your research will focus on developing computational analysis approaches for combining short and long-read RNA seq data for diagnosis of rare genetic diseases. The two-year post doc project titled “Improved analysis tools for identifying functional and clinically relevant transcript isoforms from short and long-read RNA data” is jointly funded by Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM) at University of Oslo and the Department of Medical Genetics (AMG) at Oslo University Hospital. Your physical working location will be shared between NCMM and AMG. 

Saarela group at NCMM is investigating rare and complex immune and haematological diseases by utilizing modern genomic and informatics methods. Undlien group at AMG develops tools to integrate genomic technologies into healthcare, enhancing precision medicine through interdisciplinary collaboration. 

The aim of this project is to develop novel, improved computational approaches for identifying rare, protein structure and function altering variants in short and long-read RNA sequencing data and to adapt the newly developed approaches to clinical diagnostic setting at AMG. You will be a member of Saarela's Human immune disorder research group and will be working closely with the Undlien’s Digital Solutions for Genomic Medicine group. You are also encouraged to build collaborations with the other computational biology groups in NCMM, AMG and the other Nordic EMBL Molecular Medicine centres.

In this position you are expected to

• Do research in the field of Human Genomics
• Develop and build bioinformatics analysis pipelines for different NGS assays, including both standardized workflows and development of new methods
• Present your work to colleagues and to the international community
• Publish your research, code and data
• Participate in writing funding applications
• Participate in creating a supportive, stimulating and friendly research environment

Qualification and experience

The successful candidate should

• Hold a PhD degree in bioinformatics, computational biology or genetics, or a Master’s degree combined with an equivalent work experience in a relevant research area 
• Have proven hands-on experience in NGS and particularly RNA seq analysis
• Have at least Python or equivalent programming skills
• Have at least one published first-author paper
• Experience in machine learning/AI is considered an advantage 
• Be fluent in English, have good interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work independently as well as within a team
• Have good problem-solving and analytical skills

Previous experience in rare disease genetics and deep learning are considered an advantage.

Salary and contract

• The salary will be commensurate with qualifications based on NOK 575 400 - 657 300 per year. A contract will be offered for two years. Extension beyond this is possible depending on the availability of funding. A 6-month trial period will be applied.
• 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

To apply for the position, please send your application including motivation letter and CV, including list of publications and contact information for two references. The employment may begin as soon as possible.

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.

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

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

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

For further information, please contact:

• Professor Janna Saarela (janna.saarela@ncmm.uio.no)

 For technical questions about the application process please contact Nina Modahl (ninam@ncmm.uio.no).

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