Job description

A 3-year Postdoctoral position is available in the Computational Biology and Systems Medicine group led by Marieke Kuijjer at the Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Nordic EMBL partner (see this link for more information). The position is part of the recently funded project "Large-scale personalized omics networks to identify novel regulatory subtypes and targeted therapies in breast cancer" selected through the Rosa sløyfe / Pink ribbon 2020 call "Personalized breast cancer treatment" by the Norwegian Cancer Society (Kreftforeningen), as well as funding from the Research Council Norway. The position will ideally start in the first half of 2021.

The project aims to use large-scale, genome-wide network modeling approaches developed by the group to identify new regulatory subtypes in breast cancer. The selected candidate will model both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory networks for individual breast cancer patients and analyze them in the context of clinical features. The selected candidate will closely work with other researchers in the group to implement newly developed network analysis approaches. There will also be an opportunity to develop new approaches for genomic network analysis, should the candidate be interested.

The candidate

We seek a highly motivated candidate with a track record of computational analysis of high-throughput genomics data. The candidate should be excited about applying computational tools to answer questions in systems medicine, with a focus on breast cancer. The ideal candidate is collaborative and creative, has strong programming skills dedicated to the analysis of large-scale genomics data, and has a strong publication record. Documented experience with analysis of large-scale genomic data sets is a requirement for this position. Experience with genomic data integration and/or biological network analysis, cancer biology and/or gene regulation is desirable. A background in breast cancer research is an advantage. The position is open to applicants with a PhD in cancer genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, network science, or related fields.

Qualification requirements

• PhD degree in cancer genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, network science, or a related field. Applicants with a PhD background in biology or (bio)medicine are welcome to apply but should have documented programming skills and documented applications of transcriptomic data or network analysis
• Strong publication record (including 1st authorship)
• Proficiency in programming (such as R, Python, MATLAB, Bash)
• Experience with analysis of high-throughput genomics data, preferably transcriptomics, ChIP-Seq, or methylation data
• Knowledge in gene regulation and/or network biology is desirable
• Experience with high performance computing is desirable
• Knowledge in (breast) cancer biology is and advantage
• Professional proficiency in English
• Willingness to work in a team environment, sharing skills and ideas, and collaborating on projects

We offer

• salary NOK 526 000 – 586 500 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

How to apply

The application, including attachments, must be delivered through the electronic recruiting system. The application must be in English and include:

(1) A cover letter, stating your motivation, scientific background, and research interests, (2) a detailed CV with a list of publications, (3) 2-3 references (name, institution, e-mail, telephone number, and relation to the candidate). These should be uploaded in .pdf format.

Please submit your application through the web-based recruitment system linked in the announcement. While the recruitment system includes a basic CV, we ask candidates to also include a separate, detailed CV in .pdf format with their application. Applications without a cover letter and/or detailed CV will be rejected.

Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project 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. 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

Inquiries about the position can be directed to Marieke Kuijjer.

For questions relating to the administrative aspects of the application, please contact Nina Modahl.

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