Postdoctoral Researcher, Exposome Analyses with Federated Cohorts, Faculty of Medicine

The University of Oulu is one of the biggest and most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. We create new knowledge and innovations that help to solve global challenges. We offer you an international and inspiring working environment where you are given responsibility and can use your skills, develop yourself and do work that matters. Our flexible and family-friendly workplace makes it easy for you to balance work and leisure. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world´s universities.

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher

in epidemiology with solid skillsets in biostatistics or another relevant disciplines in health data science to join the Life-course Epidemiology group at the Research Unit of Population Health. The position is part of the newly funded Horizon Europe consolidating and support action (CSA): the International Human Exposome Network (IHEN), jointly coordinated by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and the University of Utrecht. In this context, the IHEN project aims to advance exposome research in European regions and ensure its global positioning.

About the Job

The position is available for a period of 30 months starting from April 1, 2024. As a skilled epidemiologist with a solid foundation in biostatistics and data science (including sequence data), you will work with longitudinal cohorts harmonized across European centres (e.g. ECCN: https://data-catalogue.molgeniscloud.org/catalogue/catalogue/#/networks-catalogue).

Using this rich data, you will advance and translate exposome-wide approaches and machine learning methods for federated analyses (e.g. DataSHIELD). As a consortium member, you will also contribute to setting up a training program to support open and FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) access to the tools (data and methods) operated by the IHEN consortium. 

What we offer

• The Life-course Epidemiology group is a multicultural and multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in European Projects, where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• The group is also responsible for the international MSc degree in Epidemiology and Biomedical Data Science (EBDS), offering opportunities for research-based teaching in English (maximum 10% of the position).
• IHEN offers a unique connection with a very large network of research institutions and NGOs pioneering exposome-based methods in environmental epidemiology.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who You Are

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect you to have:

• A doctoral degree in epidemiology or biostatistics, or another field related to the study theme, obtained no more than 10 years ago.
• Solid skills in R programming and other relevant computational environments.
• Preferably skilled with Linux-based cluster computing with Python/Bash/R.
• Knowledge in DataSHIELD and federated analyses is a merit.
• High motivation towards data science and observational designs.
• The ability for independent scientific work.
• Good communication skills in English (both oral and written) as the successful candidate will join an international multidisciplinary research team.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 30 months starting from April 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be based on levels 5–6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff at Finnish universities. Additionally, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approximately €3100–€4000 per month (before taxes).

A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to Apply

Interested? If yes, please apply by February 25^th, 2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system. The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
2. Cover letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing the applicant’s professional experience and expertise (particularly specify your programming skills) and explaining why the applicant is interested in this position. Additionally, information on personal research interests, experience, and career plans is valuable to include.
3. List of publications (max. 4 pages) following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland.
4. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copies of the original doctoral degree certificate and transcript of records, and, when necessary, official translations into Finnish or English.
5. Contact information for 2 persons available for recommendation.

Eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, and members of different language, cultural, or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Prof. Sylvain Sebert (sylvain.sebert(at)oulu.fi) or Adjunct Professor Ville Pimenoff (ville.pimenoff(at)oulu.fi), Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Finland.

Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
First day of employment: 01.04.2024
Salary: €3100 – €4000
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100%
City: Oulu
County: Pohjois-Pohjanmaa
Country: Finland
Reference number: 2024/35
Contact:

1. Sylvain Sebert, 00358503440842

Published: 2024-02-01
Last application date: 2024-02-25