Job description

Applicants are invited for a 2.5 year position (100%) as Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biostatistics to be based at the Department of Behavioural Medicine, in close cooperation with the Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE) – Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo (UiO), Norway.

Short introduction

The postdoctoral fellow will work in a multidisciplinary environment interfacing medicine, statistics and psychology. This is an opportunity to join one of Europe's most active biostatistics groups at an exciting time. Currently, OCBE makes up a group of about 70 scientists with interests spanning a broad range of areas, and holds numerous collaborations with leading bio-medical research groups nationally and internationally. OCBE is responsible for the bio-statistical teaching for the professional study in medicine, the faculty's bachelor and master programs, and the PhD training. OCBE also provides an extensive advisory service for bio-medical and clinical researchers at the University of Oslo and the Oslo University Hospital, an existing source of data and challenges for our discipline. The Department of Behavioural Medicine consists of researchers with a background in different health professions that investigate a broad range of topics from momentary reward processing to long-term health outcomes and quality of life in patients and health personnel, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The department is also responsible for educating medical students, with special attention to clinical communication skills.

The postdoctoral fellow will be involved in a joint transnational project funded by the ERA-NET scheme of the European Commission (www.neuron-eranet.eu). The current 'Network of European Funding for Neuroscience Research' (NEURON) aims to coordinate research efforts across Europe to promote disease-related biomedical research on sensory disorders. The aim of the project is to investigate the effects of touch on physiological regulation processes in preterm-born infants and rat pups, and to map the time window for the development of nerve fibers receptive for slow stroking touch in infants.

More about the position

The appointment is a full-time position, and is made for a period of 2.5 years. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for developing methods to integrate and compare data from humans and animals, consisting in time series of functions. Aim of the analysis is to investigate the effects of touch based on the fluctuations in the biological data (heart rate and pulse frequency) across time and age of the infants/rat pups.

A strong competence in methodological statistics and a large interest in programming are essential. The candidate is expected to collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers in France and Germany who will provide the data that forms the basis of the postdoctoral position.

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

Expected starting date: latest January 1st, 2021.

Qualification requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated, flexible and competent statistician holding a PhD or equivalent who enjoys working in an international and interactive environment. Since the project requires the integration of data from different groups and disciplines in different countries, experience from working in a multicultural / multidisciplinary environment is a strong advantage. The candidate should also have experience with or an interest in Open Science. Personal prerequisites to carry out the project will be highly weighted.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in statistics, data science, computer science, mathematics, or another field with a strong quantitative component. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• The successful candidate should have a solid background in methodological statistics. Interest in the broad area of biostatistics would be an advantage.
• Proficiency with programing languages (R, Matlab, Python, C++, or others) is mandatory. Some experience in statistical programming (ideally Monte Carlo simulation and/or numerical optimization) would be an advantage.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Personal skills

• Strong ability of taking initiative and working independently
• Ability to plan and manage tasks to a timetable, and to stick to the plan
• Flexibility, willingness to learn and to work in a dynamic environment with a diverse team

We offer

• salary NOK 534 400-604 700 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• a structured career development program, specifically developed for postdoctoral candidates
• 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, 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. 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 Uta Sailer, phone number: +47 22851032, e-mail: uta.sailer@medisin.uio.no
• Associate Professor Valeria Vitelli, phone number: +47 45114033, e-mail : valeria.vitelli@medisin.uio.no

Apply for position