Do you want to analyze whole genomes to identify genetic causes of the most common cardiac arrhythmia?

We are looking for a skilled computational biologist to join the GENAF Norway study / Ledig stilling som biolog / bioinformatiker i GENAF studien.

The GENAF Norway study aims to identify genetic causes of the most common cardiac arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF). The study was established in 2010, and we have since then identified many rare and common genetic variants associated with AF. We have now included more than 1000 individuals with early-onset of AF and are currently performing whole-genome sequencing in all participants. The project is led by Dr. Ingrid E. Christophersen, who have studied this field since 2009, through a PhD at Bærum Hospital and the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and a postdoctoral research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital, the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Boston, U.S. The GENAF Norway study is funded by the Research Council of Norway, the South-Eastern Health authorities, and Vestre Viken Hospital Trust. 
afib.no – national network for AF research

We aim to identify

1. individuals who carry disease-causing variants in genes related to more severe, genetic cardiac disorders, in collaboration with the unit for cardiogenetics at Oslo University Hospital (OUH) and perform clinical evaluation og the variant-carriers in collaboration with ProCardio Center for Innovation, OUH
2. new genes related to AF through analysis of whole-genome sequencing data and study their functional effects
3. common variants related to AF to understand underlying mechanisms and to develop polygenic risk scores for AF and related outcomes. 

Main tasks 

The main tasks will be analyses of whole-genome sequencing data, genotyping data, questionnaire- and clinical data. Data management will also be an important task. Data are stored and analyzed on the TSD (Services for sensitive data) platform, provided by the University of Oslo, and on the Research portal, provided by the South-Eastern Health Authorities. We can also analyze data from the UK Biobank, at their designated Research Analysis Platform (RAP). Other tasks will be interpretation of results and preparation of manuscripts and abstracts for conferences, presentation of results at national and international conferences – all in a collaborative form in team GENAF.  

The research department at Bærum Hospital is leading in the field of AF research in Norway and will be the main workplace. We have a range of ongoing AF research projects within genetics, echocardiography, epidemiology, biomarkers, and several randomized clinical trials evaluating the effects of medical treatment and exercise.

Collaborations

We have an active national collaboration with the main population-based studies in Norway, and have already performed a national GWAS on AF across these studies.

We are a part of the AFGen (Atrial Fibrillation Genetics) consortium. We also have full access to all datasets in the UK Biobank. Together, these collaborations leverage genetic analyses across many comprehensive and cutting-edge data sources.

Professor Tveit and dr. Christophersen are leaders of afib.no - the national atrial fibrillation research network. 

Kvalifikasjoner:

Qualification requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell biology or related field, alternatively cand.med. Experienced MSc will be considered
• Experience with
  • data handling and quality control of sequencing data
  • basic programming and scripting in R/Python and Bash
  • high-throughput sequencing data analysis
  • statistical modeling of biological data
• Experience in project leadership, ability to interact and collaborate with researchers and laboratory technicians in a cross-disciplinary environment
• Proficiency in spoken and written Norwegian and/or English language
• Good presentation and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams

Personlige egenskaper:

Personal qualities

• Problem-solving, flexibility and collaboration skills
• Ability to communicate science
• Ability to share knowledge and skills
• Stamina, enthusiasm and social skills
• Strong organizational skills

Vi tilbyr:

We offer

• Good working conditions in a stimulating academic and clinical research environment.
• A creative and dynamic workspace with a high level of collaborative skills and a consistently high score on ratings of the work environment.
• Close collaboration with the most experienced AF researchers in Norway
• Possibility for an international research exchange period
• Participation at  international courses or congresses
• Office space at the Department for Medical Research at Bærum sykehus.
• Employment in a large hospital trust that is committed to develop and offer health services in nerw and innovative ways
• A workplace characterized by trust, transparency and respect
• An innovative work environment with skilled and engaged colleagues
• Interesting and varied tasks, and opportunities for professional and personal development
• You will become a part of an important community mission.
• Membership in Vestre Viken wellfare association including discounts on activities, cultural arrangements and holiday housing rental in Norway and abroad
• Employment in a safe public organization with good pension schemes

Appointment terms
The period of employment is 1-2 years. The employment is expected to begin during September - November 2025.

Further information can be obtained from
Dr. Ingrid E. Christophersen, phone: +47 473 62 534 
Professor Arnljot Tveit, phone: +47 67 50 24 27

Application
Please submit your online application no later than June 27, 2025.
You can find more information and apply electronically at Webcruiter (ref. 4973773223). Only electronic applications submitted through webcruiter will be evaluated. The application must include the following documents in Norwegian or English: 

• Application letter incl. statement of research interest
• 2-3 references (incl. name and contact details)
• CV (incl. education, employment within and outside academia, research experience incl. mastered techniques, publications)
• Copy of educational certificates and grades

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply