The Department of Research and Development, part of the Division of Mental Health Services at Akershus University Hospital, Norway, has an open 3-year position for a postdoctoral researcher in a project belonging to a larger research project called InterProspect. 

InterProspect is a collaborative project between the University of Oslo, Akershus University Hospital, and the University of Helsinki. The overall aim of the project is to use data from the UK Biobank to advance our understanding of the interplay between metabolic biomarkers, cardiometabolic outcomes and depressive phenotypes. UK Biobank includes a wide range of longitudinal data from over 500 000 participants.  

The postdoctoral researcher will be linked to an InterProspect sub-project funded by Health South-East. The project aims are to examine the sex-specific interrelationships between baseline metabolic signatures and future depression, determined as distinct phenotypes, and determine whether patterns of physical activity prevent and modify these associations. The post-doctoral researcher will utilize metabolomics data from proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, device measured physical activity by wrist worn accelerometers, and depressive symptoms measured via questionnaires. 

The postdoctoral researcher will use advanced computational methods, including machine learning and network modelling, in combination with more traditional epidemiological research methods. The project offers interesting opportunities for development of modelling methods for a postdoctoral researcher oriented towards advanced statistical modelling. Depending on the post-doctoral researcher’s profile and ambition, there are also opportunities to collaborate and co-author in other projects.

The post-doctoral researcher will be employed at the Department of Research and Development, in the Division of Mental Health Services at Akershus University Hospital. The department currently employs eight full-time researchers, four post-doctoral researchers, four PhD students, and eight project- and administrative employees.  

The position is a 3-year full-time position. Prof. Soili Marianne Lehto is the PI of the InterProspect study, and Dr Guro Pauck Bernhardsen is the project leader for the sub-project at the Akershus University Hospital. 

Start date: flexible – between August 15 and November 30, 2024.

How to apply

The application must include the following attachments: 

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarising scientific work and research interests)
• CV (summarising education, relevant work experience, grants and other qualifying activity) 
• A complete list of publications
• Contact list of 2-3 references (name, position, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number) 
  
• The application with attachments must be submitted through the electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all application documents must be in English and the file size cannot exceed 10 MB.  
• After the initial screening process, short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview. 
  

Kvalifikasjoner:

• Applicants must have a doctoral degree (PhD) in statistics, bioinformatics, epidemiology, medicine, psychology, or other field relevant to the research conducted as part of the advertised position. The ideal candidate will have experience in several of these areas. Applicants who will complete and defend their degree before the starting date will be considered.
• Previous experience with statistical analyses and programming in large and complex datasets using R, Stata or SAS. Experience with Python or MATLAB is an advantage. 
• Previous experience with advanced computational methods, in particular network analyses, cluster analyses or AI-based/machine learning methods, is an advantage. 
• A strong command of English is necessary for the position. While not necessary, it is an advantage to know a Scandinavian language. 
  

Personlige egenskaper:

• We are looking for ambitious, goal-oriented candidates who have a strong publication record and enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team. 
  
• The candidate should be able to work independently and as part of a team. 
  
• The candidates should have interest and/or demonstrated experience in mentoring PhD/Master’s students. 
  
• The position is ideally suited for candidates who want to establish themselves as independent researchers/group leaders in the future.
  
  

Vi tilbyr:

• Corporate benefits such as discounts for cottage rentals and theatre tickets, and a possibility to join the hospital’s sports teams.
• Oslo region’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• If desired, assistance with finding an apartment and/or kindergarten.

We are happy to reply to any inquiries concerning the position.