Job description

One position as Postdoc is available at Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, contingent on external funding.

The position is for a period of three years. Starting date as soon as possible.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.

The position will work within a larger research network to build a timely, multi-faceted, and interdisciplinary understanding of how epidemiological dynamics of zoonotic diseases change across ecological contexts and thus be better prepared for future pandemics. In particular, the position will focus on modelling zoonotic disease dynamics and evaluating intervention strategies of plague, dengue fever and coronavirus. The network composition and work are described in more detail in the project summary.

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among the leading communities for research, education and innovation in Europe. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in epidemiology or relevant subjects. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defense are eligible for appointment.
• Proven research skills – A good track-record within relevant fields.
• Data collection and analysis – Proven ability to collate data, interpret and present results to a high standard using a range of specialised research techniques. Practice working with large and multifaceted datasets.
• Model fitting and inference – Experience in mathematical modelling, preferably, of the immunity response underpinning infectious disease transmission dynamics. Statistical modelling methods (including Bayesian) and strong programming skills in R, C or C++.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Communication skills in English are required.
• Fluent Chinese communication skills is an advantage as data for this study are provided by China CDC and local CDC and all of these records are in Chinese. Additionally, science communications, a fundamental component of this multidisciplinary project, will be carried out with our Chinese collaborators

Personal Skills

• Ability to work independently but also having strong ability to be part of a larger interdisciplinary and international research team.
• Ability to take initiative and present and discuss results with supervisors
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position

We offer

• salary NOK 534 400 – 615 800 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• postdoctoral development plans
• 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 and academic transcript of records
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone 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 qualification 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

For further information please contact: Ruiyun Li, phone: +44 7928511942, e-mail: ruiyun.li@ibv.uio.no.

For questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR adviser Nina Holtan, phone +47 22854424, e-mail: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no.

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