Job description

Applications are invited for a 3-year position in a Research Fellowship as PhD Candidate in Biostatistics to be based at the Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Department of Biostatistics in close collaboration with the Department of Nutrition, both at the University of Oslo and located in the same building.

The position is internally funded and is part of a cross-disciplinary project, integrating biostatistical methodology and precision nutrition.

The research fellow will be employed in a 100% 3-year position at OCBE. Currently, OCBE includes 11 tenured professors and associate professors, 15 researchers, and a number of post-doctoral fellows and PhD students, making up a group of about 70 people. OCBE is internationally recognized, with interests spanning a broad range of areas and with numerous collaborations with leading biomedical research groups internationally and in Norway. OCBE has a leading role in two centres of excellence, INTEGREAT and BigInsight, and hosts one ERC Advanced Grant. The research fellow will also be affiliated with the Department of Nutrition, which includes 13 active research groups and approximately 100 employees.

More about the position

The post holder will carry out research in statistical methodology related to analysis of high-dimensional data and apply this to analysis of studies in nutrition with the aim of understanding inter-individual variation in cardiometabolic responses to dietary interventions. From a methodological point of view, we are specifically interested in variable selection with error control in high-dimensional linear mixed models, while understanding inter-individual variation in response to dietary interventions is a prerequisite for developing personalized nutritional guidelines. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers at both the Department of Biostatistics and the Department of Nutrition.

The research fellow must take part in the Faculty’s approved PhD program and is expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period. The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Biostatistics, Statistics, Mathematics or related field, minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent. The Master’s degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS.
• Proven experience in programming
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Some knowledge of high-dimensional statistics (e.g. penalized regression models) is an advantage.
• Some background in biotechnology / biology / nutrition is an advantage; a genuine interest in biology and biological applications is necessary.

Personal skills

• We are looking for candidates with a strong mathematical / statistical background and with an interest in biotechnology, biology/genetics or nutrition.
• We seek a highly motivated and skilled person who is eager to both gain and share insight. The ideal candidate is able to work effectively as part of a team, but also to develop and pursue independent ideas.
• The project involves both methodological work and applications. Thus, communication with applied researchers becomes important, and communication- and collaborative skills are crucial.

We offer

• Salary NOK 501 200 – 553 500 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow, (position code 1017, exceptionally position code 1378)
• 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 and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications and academic works
• 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, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. 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).

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the cover letter statement of motivation and the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. Applicants may be called in for an interview.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship 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.

The appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

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

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 Magne Thoresen, e-mail: magne.thoresen@medisin.uio.no
• Professor Stine Ulven, e-mail: smulven@medisin.uio.no

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