We have an exciting three-year position as post doc researcher available at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) in Oslo funded through the Research Council of Norway in collaboration with National Institute of Mental Health, USA. The successful applicant will work on Norwegian genotype and National Registry data including novel data from 230,000 participants (children and their parents) from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Application deadline: April 11, 2021, Start date: by agreement
The focus of the project is to understand why some individuals with major depressive disorder experience more severe symptoms and outcomes than others, and to develop algorithms for identification of these individuals. Analyses will be performed with cutting-edge molecular genetic and statistical methods. The current project is part of a trans-Nordic big data collaboration including researchers from Denmark, Norway and Sweden using nation-wide registry data integrated with large-scale genetic data from biobanks.
The successful applicant will become part of an international and multidisciplinary research environment, including Professor Ole A. Andreassen at University of Oslo, Professor Patrick Sullivan (Karolinska Institutet, Sweden), and Professor Thomas Werge (University of Copenhagen), in addition to US partner University of North Carolina. There will be possibilities for exchange visits to participating sites.
Task description
· Retrieve and prepare data for analysis
· Develop analysis plans
· Perform statistical analyses, including polygenic risk scoring, genome-wide association studies and risk prediction algorithms
· Write papers for publication both as first author and co-author
· Present findings at international research conferences and in popular media
· Maintain and develop own research skills by participation in seminars, journal clubs, research meetings, and short courses, as appropriate
· Collaborate with other team members across all aspects of the project
· Develop the project by contributing to new grant applications
· Ensure that all work adheres to the research governance, data protection and confidentiality protocols
· Assist in the organisation of research seminars and conferences
Qualifications
· Completed PhD in a relevant field (e.g., epidemiology, genetics, statistics, medicine or psychology)
· Strong publication record, including papers in international peer-reviewed journals as leading author
· Experience in using genetic epidemiological methods (e.g., polygenic risk scoring, GWAS, risk prediction algorithms)
· Excellent statistical and quantitative analytical skills
· Demonstrable expertise in the use of programs like Stata or R for data management and statistical analysis
· Excellent skills in written and oral English
· Education and/or research and/or clinical experience with mental disorders is an advantage
· Experience with analysis of large data sets is an advantage
· Experience of UNIX/Linux and cluster computing is an advantage
· Experience of programming is an advantage
Personal qualities
· Self-motivated, proactive, and able to take initiative
· Good organizational skills and attentiveness to detail
· Ability to plan and prioritize workload
· Track record of being able to work independently and take responsibility for project completion
· Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with colleagues from multiple scientific disciplines
We offer
· A workplace which plays an important role in the health and well-being of the population
· Fixed term contract for 3 years. Individually negotiated salary depending on qualifications
· An inspiring working environment with highly qualified national and international collaborators
· Use of unique data sources such as the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study and national registries
· Flexible working hours
· Attractive benefits from the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
· A wide range of company sports activities
· Oslo’s rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
Application
· Must be in English or a Scandinavian language and include:
o Cover letter of max. 2 pages (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
o CV and complete list of publications
o PhD diploma and transcript of grades from other graduate/undergraduate degrees.
o List of 2-3 referee persons (name, relation to candidate, email and phone number).
Apply using this link: https://945000.webcruiter.no/Main/Recruit/Public/4363621546?language=nb&link_source_id=0
Contact information
Professor Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud E-mail: ted.reichborn-kjennerud@fhi.no
Department director Ragnar Nesvåg E-mail: Ragnar.Nesvag@fhi.no
Senior researcher Martin Tesli E-mail: Martin.Tesli@fhi.no
Tel no Martin Tesli: 0047-97945450
About the Norwegian Institute of Public Health
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s vision is “better health for all.” We produce, summarize and communicate knowledge for the public health sector and healthcare services. Our main activities are emergency preparedness, knowledge and infrastructure. Infrastructure comprises registries, health surveys, biobanks and laboratory services. The Institute is a government organization under the Ministry of Health. We have approximately 1050 employees located in Oslo and Bergen.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health was ranked as the most attractive employer for health science students in Norway in 2020 (Karrierebarometeret 2020).
The Institute is committed to diversity. We urge qualified candidates to apply for a job with us, regardless of gender, age, disability, career breaks, ethnic or national background.