PhD in Data-Driven Precision Health Research

We are pleased to announce an open position for a doctoral candidate with a strong inclination towards data-driven life sciences. The selected candidate will be responsible for integrating multi-omics and bioimaging data, focusing on precision health. Applicants should possess a profound motivation to bridge biomedical research and data sciences.

By joining us, you will be immersing yourself in a cutting-edge research environment at the vanguard of precision health research. We will provide extensive training in biomedicine, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and epidemiological methods. This role will enable you to develop advanced skills in multi-omics data and biomedical image analysis that will propel your future career.

Project description
Our ultimate goal is to develop novel biomarker panels that precisely quantify individual disease risk and identify critical biological processes. To this end, this Ph.D. project will focus on innovative machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches to integrate multi-layer -omics data (e.g., microbiome, genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics) with bioimages of cardiovascular and metabolic tissues (computer tomography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging). By leveraging cutting-edge data-science techniques and globally competitive data sources, this project has the potential to provide novel insights into cardiometabolic disease etiology and inform innovative precision prevention approaches. Our central data sources are the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study (SCAPIS) and the Swedish Infrastructure for Medical Population-Based Life-Course and Environmental Research (SIMPLER).

The data-driven precision nutrition group operates under the auspices of the Wallenberg Data-Driven Life Science program (DDLS). The Computer Vision Group conducts research in the field of automatic image interpretation and perceptual scene understanding and works closely with the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP).

At the Department of Life Sciences (LIFE) we develop and apply advanced experimental and computational technologies in the life sciences. The topics at the LIFE division of Food and Nutrition Science (FNS) span from food chemistry and technology to molecular and data- driven nutrition (Precision Nutrition).

Major responsibilities
The position requires managing several scientific projects simultaneously with increasing independence. The ideal candidate must possess critical skills, including teamwork, autonomy, and a strong drive to conduct high-impact research in the precision health area. We expect at least four peer-reviewed publications (two published) to qualify for the doctoral degree.

Qualifications
You should be highly motivated, independent, curious, and creative, with sound programming skills as well as data science, machine learning and/or image analysis experience. Furthermore, you should be a good colleague who values teamwork and enjoys working in a collaborative environment.

You must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field. A solid background in biostatistics and data sciences, a thorough understanding of biomedicine, and practical experience with bioinformatics research, preferably -omics or imaging data analyses, and evidence of hands-on experience with a statistical programing language (e.g., R or Python) are essential. Professional written and oral communication in English is required.

Contract terms
The position is fully funded for up to five years and includes comprehensive benefits.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers (e.g., GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence).

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230328 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV:(Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter:(Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: 2023-09-21

For questions, please contact:
Clemens Wittenbecher, Assistant Professor in Precision Medicine and Diagnostics at Food and Nutrition Science
Email: clemens.wittenbecher@chalmers.se

Ida Häggström, Associate Professor at Computer Vision and Medical Image Analysis
Email: idah@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***