Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biostatistics – Oslo, Norway

The postdoc position is funded by the Norwegian Cancer Society through the project “Stable variable selection in ultra-high dimensional statistics” (Principal investigator Professor Magne Thoresen) for a period of three years. The general purpose of the project is to work on methodology for variable selection in high-dimensional problems. The project is a collaboration between the University of Oslo and the University of Tromsø.

The postdoctoral research fellow will be employed in a 100% 3-year position at OCBE

Currently, OCBE includes 11 tenured professors and associate professors, 15 researchers, and a number of post-doctoral fellows and PhD students, making up a group of about 80 people. OCBE is internationally recognized, with interests spanning a broad range of areas (including time-to-event models, data integration, causal inference, statistical genomics, high dimensional data and models, Bayesian inference, stochastic simulation algorithms, probabilistic graphical models, machine learning, evolution and population genetics, measurement error models, epidemiological studies of lifestyle and chronic diseases, stochastic models for infectious diseases) and numerous collaborations with leading bio-medical research groups internationally and in Norway. OCBE is an active partner of Big Insight: Statistics for the Knowledge Economy, which is one of the Norwegian centers of excellence for research-based innovation.

More about the position

The post holder will carry out research in statistical methodology related to variable selection in high-dimensional genomic data. The goal is to develop stable variable selection procedures that allow control of false discoveries. You will work on methods for specific problems related to learning of graphical models, with applications in cancer research.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong mathematical / statistical background. You will have a PhD in statistics/mathematics or related field, and you will have conducted methodological research in statistics. Proven experience in programming is required. The ideal candidate is able to work effectively as part of a team, but also to develop and pursue independent ideas. The successful candidate is expected to conduct innovative research at the highest international level.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a PhD degree in statistics, biostatistics, mathematics, or other disciplines with documented experience in statistics
• Experience with genomic data is an advantage, but not necessary
• Knowledge about penalized regression methods / graphical models is an advantage, but not necessary
• Documented programming skills in R, python, MatLab, C, C++ or equivalent are necessary
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Candidates from foreign educational institutions must have completed the requirements for the doctoral degree within three months after the closing date. Candidates from Norwegian educational institutions must have submitted their doctoral dissertations for evaluation before the closing date.

We offer

• Salary NOK 534 400 – 615 800 per annum depending on qualifications as a postdoctoral research fellow (position code 1352)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• A structured career development program, specifically developed for post doc candidates 

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter with statement of motivation and research interests (including a summary of the applicant’s scientific work and interests and describing how she/he fits the description of the person we seek).
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications and academic works
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link: “Apply for this job”. 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).

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given both to the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. Applicants may be called in for an interview.

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.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

Professor Magne Thoresen, email: magne.thoresen@medisin.uio.no