The Cancer Registry of Norway is a research institution that hosts the national cancer registry and clinical cancer registries. The registry is one of the oldest cancer registries in the world with complete nationwide cancer registration since the 1950s. The registry also administers the national cancer screening programs, in addition to multiple cohorts and biobanks, including the Janus serum bank with serum samples from more than 300,000 individuals. The Cancer Registry of Norway is part of Oslo University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center. An overarching goal of our research activity is epidemiological studies of factors that can affect cancer risk and prognosis and thereby lead to targeted cancer prevention strategies. Our research activity is particularly based on large data linkages including the cancer registry, other national registries, cohorts, and biobanks.

A 3-year position as a statistician is available at the Norwegian Research Centre for Women’s Health, Oslo University Hospital / the Research Department, Cancer Registry of Norway.

Although survival of breast cancer patients has considerably improved in the last decades, there is still a large variation in survival depending on cancer stage and biology. New targeted treatments give hope of improved survival to patients with advanced breast cancer, or cancer with certain biological characteristics. Another strategy that has been recently evaluated to improve survival, is repurposing non-cancer drugs, for example beta-blockers, as possible add-on cancer treatments.

The project is divided into two subprojects: in the first part, we will for the first time get a comprehensive overview of the use of the newest breast cancer therapies in Norway, and describe usage patterns according to various clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic variables. The benefit of these drugs will be compared to the standard treatment of similar patients by studying survival as well as the risk of other health outcomes, such as hospitalizations, other drug use and comorbidity. In the second part we will estimate the prognostic role of three commonly used non-cancer drugs, namely beta-blockers, statins and metformin, and their synergistic effect with standard breast cancer treatments, utilizing a target trial emulation framework. 

Norway provides exceptional conditions for registry-based studies, and the basis for this study was established by linking various high-quality registries such as the Cancer Registry of Norway, the Norwegian Patient Registry, the Norwegian Prescription Registry, Statistics Norway, and others. Thus, the project requires a person with high methodological competence and experience in analyzing large registry-linkages. Research experience within epidemiology or cancer will be appreciated.

The position is 50% part-time for 3 years in the project “The rise of personalized medicine and drug repurposing in breast cancer: a real-world evidence study in Norway”, funded by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority.

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is essential to perform the tasks required of us. Therefore, we pursue diversity among our job applicants and encourage everyone to apply regardless of who you are and what background you have.     

Kvalifikasjoner:

• The successful candidate must hold a MSc degree, ideally in statistics or data science, but epidemiology or other relevant fields may be considered when convincing knowledge and experience within statistical methods can be documented.
• Good analytical skills and experience with relevant statistical software such as R, STATA or others are required.
• Experience with registry linkages will be particularly advantageous.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of a Scandinavian language is an advantage.

Personlige egenskaper:

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on documented academic qualifications, motivation, ability to take initiative, and personal suitability.

We are looking for a candidate who is goal and results oriented with the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

Vi tilbyr:

We have a dynamic and creative work environment with high competence within cancer research, pharmacoepidemiology and biostatistics.

The salary will be determined based on qualifications, and we offer flexible working hours, good welfare benefits, insurance, and pension scheme in accordance with Oslo University Hospital agreements.