About 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 runs a multicenter study involving all psychiatric hospital departments in Oslo and several research groups at the University of Oslo (UiO). The purpose is to study how biological/genetic, psychological and environmental factors contribute to severe mental disorders. The CoE NORMENT has used their infrastructure for clinical evaluations, neuropsychological testing, MRI brain imaging and biobanking to collect a large sample. Specifically, we have collected a large number of genetic and brain imaging data on patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In addition, we are actively collaborating with large international consortia, particularly Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) and the ENIGMA collaboration, and the current project is focused on multivariate analysis of these and other large datasets, based on novel statistical tools designed for analyses of polygenic architecture of mental illness and stratification of treatment.

For more information https://www.med.uio.no/norment/english/

Job description

The post-doctoral fellow will work in a multidisciplinary team. The research will involve molecular genetics and biostatistical approaches, including data modeling via bioinformatics and/or biostatistical methods. The goal is to quantitatively characterize the genotype-phenotype mapping, using datasets from whole genome studies including treatment effect. The work will involve multivariate models to identify and quantify the genetic contribution to development of severe mental disorders. The project will focus on genetic of drugs effect, employing novel analytical tools and large samples for pharmacogenetics analyses. The research will be carried out as an integrated part of both the PrecisionPsychiatry and Molecular Genetics as well as Biological Psychiatry groups at NORMENT, and the candidate is expected to collaborate closely with an extended inter-disciplinary team of researchersand clinicians at the Centre.

The fellow will be key scientific personnel in the project. The post-doctoral fellow will work at the CoE NORMENT. The project is based on collaboration with University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and deCODE Genetics, Iceland. The position may involve a period working abroad.

The appointment is a fulltime position and is funded for a period of up to three years.

The main purpose of post-doctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in top academic positions within their disciplines. Guidelines for appointments to post-doctoral researchfellowships at the University of Oslo may be obtained at:

http://www.uio.no/english/about/regulations/personnel/academic/regulations-employmentconditions-postdoc.html

Qualification requirements

• Applicants should have doctoral degree (PhD) in molecular genetics, medicine, 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 with methodological expertise and applied experience with processing and analyzing the big data generated by the sequencing machine and a genuine interest in applying and developing analytical methodology for this project.
• Background in genetics (incl., pharmacogenetics), DNA/RNA sequencing and data analysis, bioinformatics, and microarrays is required.
• Experience with extraction and analysis of RNA, DNA, and proteins, gene expression analysis, and the growth and maintenance of human cell cultures can also be useful.

How personally suitable the candidate is will also play a role.

The ideal candidate:

• Is ambitious and highly motivated for pursuing a career in science
• Has a strong background in large scale data-analysis, and interested in application of the methods
• Goal oriented and enjoys working within a cross-disciplinary team
• A strong command of English is required

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 be in 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.

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).

We offer

• We can offer an exciting research environment with a multidisciplinary profile and large opportunities for academic development
• Salary NOK 523 200 - 594 400 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• Favorable pension arrangements
• Attractive welfare arrangements

Contact information

• Professor Ole Andreassen, phone number + 47 99038893, e-mail: o.a.andreassen@medisin.uio.no
• Professor Srdjan Djurovic, phone number + 47 22 11 98 90 e-mail: srdjan.djurovic@medisin.uio.no

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.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Apply for position