Job description

A position as postdoctoral research fellow in Biostatistics is available 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 postdoctoral 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 (including time-to-event models, causal inference, statistical genomics, high dimensional data and models, Bayesian inference, stochastic simulation algorithms, probabilistic graphical models, machine learning, evolution and population genetics, epidemiological studies of lifestyle and chronic diseases, stochastic models for infectious diseases) and with numerous collaborations with leading bio-medical 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 with interests ranging from molecular nutrition to clinical nutrition and nutritional epidemiology.

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 main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a PhD degree in statistics, biostatistics, mathematics, or other relevant discipline, with documented experience in statistics.
• Some knowledge and experience with high-dimensional statistics (e.g. penalized regression models) is an advantage.
• Experience with genomic data is an advantage, but not necessary.
• Documented programming skills in R, python, MatLab, C, C++ or equivalent are necessary.
• Some background in biotechnology / biology / nutrition is an advantage; a genuine interest in biology and biological applications is necessary.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Candidates from foreign educational institutions must have completed the requirements for the doctoral degree within three months after the application deadline. Candidates from Norwegian educational institutions must have submitted their doctoral dissertations for evaluation before the application deadline.

Please refer to regulations on terms and conditions of employment as post-doctoral fellow: Regulations concerning terms and conditions of employment for the posts of post-doctoral research fellow, research fellow, research assistant and resident - University of Oslo (uio.no)

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 544 400 – 626 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• 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

• A structured career development program, specifically developed for post doc candidates

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications
• 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. 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, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. 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

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

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