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Postdoctoral researcher, genetic epidemiology in sport and health sciences / Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences

Published date more than one year ago
Posted: more than one year ago
Company University of Jyväskylä
Company: University of Jyväskylä
Location Jyväskylä
Location: Jyväskylä

The University of Jyväskylä is currently seeking to recruit candidates to the position of

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER, GENETIC EPIDEMIOLOGY IN SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCES

The position starts October 1st 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter, for a fixed term of three years.

We have an exciting position as a Postdoctoral Researcher available at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä funded by the Academy of Finland and Juho Vainio foundation on the project “Investigating causal interactions between physical activity and cardiometabolic disease via polygenic risk scores (GenActive)" for a fixed term of three years. The successful applicant will work on novel data from Finnish Twin Cohort including genomic, DNA methylation and gene expression data, longitudinal questionnaire data about life styles and National registry data and/or Finngen genomic and clinical data. The research group is led by Academy of Finland Research Fellow Elina Sillanpää.

The focus of the project is on the role of genetic and environmental risk factors in cardiometabolic diseases. We will also examine associations between genetic risk factors and life style factors (especially physical activity), and the interplay between genetic and environmental risk factors. More mechanistic analysis aiming to identify novel molecular/biological pathways and important regulatory mechanisms for disease development will also be conducted. The successful applicant will become part of an international and multidisciplinary research environment.

Task description

  • Perform statistical analyses, including genomic relatedness methods, polygenic risk scoring, linkage disequilibrium score regression, and genomic structural equation modeling
  • Combining genomic, DNA methylation and gene expression data and/or genomic and family data
  • Write articles on associations between genetic disease risk, life style factors and disease endpoints
  • Participation in research seminars and group meetings
  • Applying complementary funding
  • Other academic tasks such as teaching, supervision communication etc.

 

Qualifications we are looking for

  • Completed PhD in a relevant field (e.g., epidemiology, genetics, bioinformatics, statistics, health sciences, sport sciences or medicine)
  • Publication record, including in international peer-reviewed journals as first author
  • Interest in and experience with genetic and genomics computational methods and/or quantitative genetic modeling is highly desirable, but not a requirement for this position
  • Track record in analyzing large-scale health/genetic data is appreciated
  • Excellent English skills, orally and in writing are required
  • Personal suitability, motivation and willingness to collaborate with academics from diverse backgrounds.

The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of Postdoctoral Researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. Teaching and research staff are required to master the language in which they teach. A good command of English is required and a proficiency to teach in English will be considered beneficial.

 

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You will have strong support for career development in scientific research, an opportunity to work with excellent datasets (FinnGen and longitudinal Finnish twin cohort) as well as extensive collaboration with our international and national collaborators. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.

The starting salary will be ca. 3300 - 3600 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience and including a salary component based on personal performance. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.

 

How to apply?

The application documents that should be included in PDF format:

  1. Cover letter including a statement of research interests and research skills relevant to the position
  2. Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity and including contact information of two academics who can provide reference letters https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae
  3. A numbered list of publications including links and following structure of the Academy of Finland https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/
  4. Relevant certificates / diplomas (or date of completion the PhD)

Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by September 1st, 2021.

 

For further details, please contact: Academy of Finland Research Fellow Elina Sillanpää (Elina.sillanpaa@jyu.fi)

 

Education and research in sport sciences in Finland are concentrated at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences of the University of Jyväskylä. There are two main lines of study at the Faculty: Sport Sciences and Health Sciences. Links between physical activity and health as well as promotion of exercise and health are viewed from a multidisciplinary perspective with the improvement of health, functional ability, and wellbeing across the human lifespan as the key aim. An important national responsibility of the Faculty is teacher education in sport and health sciences. 

Research at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences is a central part of the University’s denoted core research field of exercise, health and well-being.

The faculty has a unique and versatile research infrastructure. The conditions for research will be further improved by the new sport and health laboratory that is being planned at the University of Jyväskylä. In addition, the research profiling project has significant connections to the Central Finland Health Care District. The following three research centers operate within the Faculty: The Neuromuscular Research Center, the Gerontology Research Center, and the Research Centre for Health Promotion.

The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all. We cultivate the skills, knowledge and passion needed to live wisely for the benefit of humanity. An open dialogue between research, education and society is our driving force. We cherish this balance and believe it is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. Our naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. The University of Jyväskylä is the third largest employer in Central Finland.