The Centre of Excellence (CoE) NORMENT

At the Institute of Clinical Medicine, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) NORMENT - University of Oslo, there is a post-doctoral research fellowship position available. The CoE NORMENT coordinates several multicenter studies involving population and hospital biobanks, clinical and registry data, in collaboration with Norwegian networks. The aim is to utilize the analytical infrastructure across Norway to support precision medicine projects, and apply statistical methods for analysis of largescale human multimodal data, including genetic, biomarkers and environmental factors to study their contribution to human disease, and develop and test precision medicine approaches.

The CoE NORMENT focuses on severe mental disorders and has a large database of clinical and neuropsychological variables, genotyping and sequencing data, and MRI brain imaging data from both clinical and population samples. In addition, we work closely with the population cohorts (MoBa, HUSK, HUNT and Tromsø Study), and collaborate with Nordic partners to leverage the registry and biobank information across countries, and large international consortia, including the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) and the ENIGMA consortium. NORMENT also has access to the data from international sources, such as the UK Biobank, ADNI and ABCD studies. The current position is focused on multivariate analysis of these large-scale datasets using novel statistical tools to better understand polygenic architectures of mental illnesses.

For more information, check this.

Job description

• The post-doctoral fellow will work in a multidisciplinary team with clinicians as well as with experts in statistics, applied mathematics, big data analysis and computer science
• The research will involve statistical genetics, bioinformatics, machine learning and Bayesian data analysis, and novel biostatistical methods
• The goal is to quantitatively characterize the genotype-phenotype mapping, using datasets from whole genome studies, and develop precision medicine approaches, with a focus on psychiatric disorders
• The work will involve application of multivariate models to identify and quantify factors contributing to development of human diseases, to enable precision medicine approaches
• The research will be carried out as an integrated part of the Precision Psychiatry group
• The candidate is expected to collaborate closely with an extended inter-disciplinary team of researchers and clinicians at the CoE.

The main purpose of post-doctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in top academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

Applicants should have doctoral degree (PhD) in statistical genetics, applied mathematics, compute science or equivalent. It is acceptable if the degree will be formally obtained within 3 months from the deadline of the present call. The ideal candidate is familiar statistical genetics and machine learning, has strong programming skills and hands-on experience with high performance computing and big data analysis, and a genuine interest in applying and developing analytical methodology and tools for this project. Background in bioinformatics, DNA/RNA sequencing and microarray data analysis among others, can also be useful. Clinical background will be an advantage. How personally suitable the candidate is will also play a role.

The fellow will be key scientific personnel in the project. The post-doctoral fellow will work at the CoE NORMENT. The project work may involve a period working abroad, as we have close collaboration with the University of California, San Diego, USA, and deCODE Genetics, Iceland. The position will be based in Oslo and will involve digital work and visits to partners in Norway.

The ideal candidate:

• Is ambitious and highly motivated for pursuing a career in science
• Has a strong background in statistical genetics, data modeling, large-scale data-analysis, and is interested in method development and application
• Is knowledgeable in programming languages and platforms such as python, matlab, R statistics, Linux
• Is goal oriented and enjoys working within a cross-disciplinary team
• Has a strong command of English

The position is funded for three years.

We offer

• We can offer an exciting research environment with a multidisciplinary profile and large opportunities for academic development
• Salary NOK 534 400 - 594 300 per annum depending on qualifications
• Favorable pension arrangements
• Attractive welfare arrangements

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 bein 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.

Candidates who have previously completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellow period funded by The Research Council of Norway will be evaluated for a three-year position as a Researcher (SKO 1109).

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

For more information about the project:

• Professor Ole Andreassen, phone + 47 99038893, o.a.andreassen@medisin.uio.no
  
• Associate Professor Oleksandr Frei, oleksandr.frei@medisin.uio.no

Apply for position