Job description

At the Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), at the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, there is a position as post-doctoral researcher available.

NORMENT is a Centre of Excellence (CoE) that runs a multicenter study involving all psychiatric hospital departments in Oslo and several research groups in Oslo and Bergen. The purpose is to study how biological, genetic, psychological and environmental factors contribute to the development of severe mental disorders. The CoE NORMENT has used their infrastructure for clinical evaluations, neuropsychological testing, MRI brain imaging and biobanking to collect a large sample. Specifically, we have collected a large number of genetic and brain imaging data on patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In addition, we are actively collaborating with large international consortia, particularly Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) and the ENIGMA collaboration. For more information, see this link.

Psychotic disorders develop in a complex interaction between genetic- and environmental risk factors. Some persons with the disorders have a severe course and outcome, while others only experience mild symptoms in the long term and have full recoveries. Which factors influence treatment response and outcome of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders? How many get well after an episode of one of these disorders? One of the aims of the NORMENT centre is to study treatment response, course and outcome. We have recently completed a comprehensive long-term follow-up of study participants recruited during their first year of treatment, and we are looking for a postdoctoral fellow for the analysis phase of the project.

More about the position

• The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of up to three years
• The post-doctoral fellow will work in a multidisciplinary team with clinicians, neuropsychologists and neuroscientists
• The research will involve multivariate statistics of longitudinal data including register data
• The goal is to identify long-term symptom trajectories and their predictors, including genetic information and brain-imaging
• The work will interact with other groups in the NORMENT Centre, including groups with high biostatistical expertise

Qualification requirements

• PhD in relevant discipline, which may include clinical, cognitive, neuroscientific or biology
• Good knowledge about clinical research in mental health, either from a position as a clinical researcher or as a participant in a multidisciplinary group focused on research relevant for clinical mental health will be preferred.
• Good experience in multivariate data-analysis, in particular longitudinal data and/or small datasets. First-hand experience with relevant statistical programs (R statistics)
• Strong command of English, working knowledge of a Nordic language is a clear plus

We offer

• An exciting research environment with a multidisciplinary profile and large opportunities for academic development
• Favorable pension arrangements
• Attractive welfare arrangements
• Salary NOK 524 900- 594 300 per annum depending on qualifications

How to apply

The application must include:

• Application letter including motivation for applying for the position
• CV (summarizing education, relevant work experience, grants etc)
• A complete list of publications and academic work
• Contact details of 2-3 references

After the initial screening process, short-listed candidates may be asked to submit selected publications, educational certificates and transcripts of records. The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system "Jobbnorge". 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, and the quality of the project as well as the candidate's motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

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. We also want to have employees with diverse expertise, combinations of subjects, life experience and perspectives. We will make adjustments for employees who require this.

If there are qualified applicants with special needs, gaps in their CVs or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups to an interview.

Contact information

• Professor Ingrid Melle, ingrid.melle@medisin.uio.no

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