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A global setting (Oulu-Bristol-Melbourne) for international and multidisciplinary science

The University of Oulu is one of the largest universities in Finland. With about 14 000 students and approximately 3 000 employees it is a vibrant international scientific community. By combining multidisciplinary research and education, high-level infrastructure and wide cooperation with international research and educational institutes, companies and the public sector it has created a significant research and innovation hub of “Science with Arctic Attitude”. More information http://www.oulu.fi/university/.

Applications are invited for a 4-year postdoctoral researcher position (starting 1.1.2020) in a Biocenter Oulu research project headed by Professors Johannes Kettunen (Systems medicine) and Mika Ala-Korpela (Computational Medicine).

The position and the work to be done is part of our global endeavour aiming to understand and improve metabolic risk assessment by conducting high-throughput multi-omics profiling of extensive population cohorts and trials at unprecedented sample-sizes. Large-scale studies are a prerequisite for statistically sound metabolic stratifications as well as for understanding the (patho)physiological function of potential new disease biomarkers and the causal pathways in disease aetiology with the aid of modern genetic data. Please see the following recent papers to understand our thinking; PubMed PMID numbers: 29106475, 29038155, 28569269, 27955712, 27789667, 27005778, 27989323, 30524137 and 30689875.

Requirements

We are seeking for a Post-Doctoral scientist (or a more experienced researcher). This position is open for a candidate that would we willing to take major responsibilities for managing the Team’s various projects that combine omics data from various sources together with cohort data such as health registries, clinical examinations and questionnaire data, providing assistance with grant applications and multiple everyday routines related to the overall activities of the Team. We would also expect willingness to handle duties related to science popularisation and designing and maintaining the Team’s website. We are seeking a person with an interest in science and population health. We would offer interesting world-class opportunities to continue developing scientific ambitions and being involved in large-scale research projects.

We would expect you to have a PhD-degree in Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Medical Sciences, Statistics, Epidemiology or in a related area. You would also need to have good skills in written and spoken English. Knowledge of medical & epidemiological statistics and skills to use R would be quite essential. In addition, already shown capability and knowledge of scientific writing and publishing process, in the form of a few co-authored peer-reviewed publications in good international journals, would be a highly appreciated merit for the position.

We are offering an international, dynamic working environment in which quality and professionalism are encouraged. We have extensive international collaboration and are tightly connected to the UK epidemiology community (mainly University of Bristol, University of Oxford and University of Cambridge) and Australia (Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute & Monash University). Depending on the scientific project, mobility between relevant research sites would be encouraged.

In Oulu we have light summers and snowy winters, cooperative and competent people, active development, and high-class public services.  University of Oulu offers an excellent setting for study, work, research and personal development.

Enthusiastic candidates are encouraged to contact Prof Ala-Korpela (mika.ala-korpela@oulu.fi) or Prof Kettunen (johannes.kettunen@oulu.fi) for further information. This call closes on Friday 31.10.2019 (midnight, Finnish local time) but we reserve the right to fill the positions before this deadline.

A six-month trial period will be effective in the beginning of a contract.

Salary

The salary is in accordance with the University salary system (for teaching and research personnel) level 5 (postdoctoral researcher). In addition, there is a share increase at most, 50% of the base salary, which is based on personal achievements and performance.

Application Procedure

The following documents must be attached to the application (in English)

1) Motivation letter (1 – 2 pages)

2) CV with the names and contact details of 2 – 3 referees

3) Full publication list

4) Copies of relevant official degree

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, must be submitted using the electronic application form by 31.10.2019 (midnight, Finnish local time). Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Interview

The top candidates for the post may be interviewed and asked to present their scientific work and experience.

Contact details

Professor Johannes Kettunen (johannes.kettunen@oulu.fi)

Professor Mika Ala-Korpela (mika.ala-korpela@oulu.fi)