PhD candidate and Postdoctoral fellowships - Computational Physiology
Deadline: 08.02.2023
Simula Research Laboratory
Simula Research Laboratory is a publicly owned research laboratory located in Oslo, Norway. Simula’s mission is to solve important and fundamental problems of science and engineering, with the main goal of benefiting and advancing society. We focus on performing excellent research within five select research areas (scientific computing, software engineering, communication systems, machine learning and cybersecurity), developing and supporting our researchers, students and staff, and spinning out applicable results into profitable startups.
PhD candidate and Postdoctoral fellowships available in Computational Physiology at Simula Research Laboratory
Job description
In the department for Computational Physiology at Simula, we now have multiple openings for postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates to join our research team. The positions are linked to two ongoing research projects:
Dynacomp - Computational Tools for Studying Cardiac Growth and Remodeling, is an ongoing collaboration between Simula and the K.G. Jebsen Centre for Cardiac Research at Oslo University Hospital. The main aim for Dynacomp is to build validated computational models that can predict how the heart adapts and grows over time in response to altered conditions and mechanical stimuli. The long-term goal for the research is to improve diagnosis, outcome prediction, and treatment for heart failure (HF) patients. We pursue an interdisciplinary approach where computational models and simulations are driven by experimental data, and the simulation results guide further experiments and clinical research.
ProCardio – Centre for Research-Based Innovation is a research center hosted by Oslo University Hospital, which aims to optimize diagnosis and treatment of progressive cardiac disease through precision medicine. ProCardio develops, tests, and quality-assures tools that can reliably predict an individual patient's disease progression, and provide a far-reaching perspective on future, possible forms of treatment, provide optimal treatment and prevent cardiovascular disease from developing further.
The candidates for both projects will join the research team of the Computational Physiology department, consisting of several other PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and senior researchers, as well as national and international collaborators. All the positions involve close collaboration with experimental researchers and clinicians at Oslo University Hospital, and the candidates will become an integral part of the large and vibrant research environment within scientific computing and computational physiology at Simula.
The relevant computational tools are detailed finite element models of cardiac electrophysiology and mechanics, as well as data-driven machine learning models linking biomarkers to disease progression and outcome. The models will be developed further in the proposed projects and will be further refined and adapted to experimental results and clinical data in collaboration with partners at Oslo University Hospital. The resulting models will be used to predict disease trajectories, study mechanisms and drivers of disease progression, growth and remodelling, and identify potential new biomarkers of heart disease. We are looking for candidates with a solid track record and interest in contributing to one or more of these aims. Please contact Dr. Molly Maleckar (mmaleck@simula.no) or Dr. Joakim Sundnes (sundnes@simula.no) if you have questions about the positions.
We are looking for a candidate either for a 3-year PhD candidate position or a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship. Candidates should have a solid background in scientific computing, biomedical engineering, biomechanics, or related areas, including statistical modelling and machine learning, and an interest in contributing to computational physiology and cardiac research.
Successful candidates should have the following qualifications:
A degree in scientific computing, biomedical engineering, biophysics, biomechanics, or related areas
A strong track record (commensurable by career level) including excellent academic results
Experience with finite element models, computational mechanics, or related topics, including statistical/hybrid models and machine learning/artificial intelligence
Good programming skills, primarily in Python
Experience with computational modeling in biomedical research, or an interest in studying, learning, and contributing to this area
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work and communicate well in an interdisciplinary environment
Simula offers:
An excellent environment and outstanding opportunities for performing high quality research as part of a highly competent and enthusiastic team of researchers and engineers.
An informal and inclusive international working environment
Brand new office facilities located in the heart of Oslo with an extensive public transport network within a few minutes’ walk and a vibrant city life right outside the office door steps.
A competitive salary, starting from 501.200 NOK for PhD candidates and 544.400 NOK for postdoctoral fellows.
Generous support for travel and opportunities to build international networks, through established collaborations with industry, exchange programs and research visits with other universities, and funding to attend conferences.
Numerous other benefits: access to company cabins, BabyBonus arrangements, sponsored social events, generous equipment budgets (e.g., computer, phone and subscription), subsidized canteen meals and monthly bus pass, comprehensive travel/health insurance policy, etc.
Relocation assistance: accommodation, visas, complimentary Norwegian language courses, etc.
Administrative research support: e.g., quality assurance process for grant proposals (including RCN and EU programs).
Wellness and work-life balance. Our employees' health and well-being is a priority and we encourage them to make use of Simula's flexible work arrangements to help balance their work and home lives efficiently.
Simula is an equal opportunity employer, and women are particularly encouraged to apply.
Starting dates:
The starting dates for the positions are flexible with an earliest starting date of 01.03.2023 and a latest starting date of 01.07.2023.
To qualify for a PhD candidate position, candidates must have successfully completed their MSc degree before the starting date – in particular the candidate must satisfy the enrollment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Oslo.
These requirements include:
C or better average for Bachelor’s degree, B or better for Master's degree and Master's thesis (in the Norwegian grading system)
Proof of English language proficiency (requirements vary, see UiO regulations)
To qualify for a postdoctoral position, candidates must have successfully completed their PhD degree by no more than 6 months after the starting date.
Application requirements:
Interested applicants are requested to submit the following:
Cover letter (max 2 pages): outline your motivation for applying, relevant experience and qualifications, research interests and how/why you are qualified for the position;
Curriculum vitae: summarize your educational background, working experience (in particular, any relevant academic or industrial work), list of scientific publications if any, language skills etc;
All relevant diplomas and transcripts from Bachelor and Master degrees (if applying for a PhD position), and PhD degree (if applying for a postdoctoral fellowship);
A list of up to two references with contact information.
Application deadline:
Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, with a cut-off date of February 8th, 2023.
Evaluation timeline:
We will evaluate applications on a rolling basis until February 8th, 2023. Applicants passing through to the first interviews (online) will be contacted before February 15th, 2023.
If you have been funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) in a previous PostDoc position, you cannot apply for this job. RCN funding can only be granted for one PostDoc period.
Simula Research Laboratory uses Semac´s background check in our recruitment process.
According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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.
