Full-time temporary position as Researcher in Bioinformatics/Statistical Genetics at the Department of Clinical Medicine
A full-time position as researcher is vacant for an initial period of two years with possibility for extension, starting as soon as possible at the Department of Clinical Medicine. The place of work is at the Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Job Description
Parkinson's disease (PD) and dystonia are two of the most common and debilitating movement disorders. PD alone affects ~2 % of the population above the age of 65 and its prevalence is increasing as the population ages reaching ~4 % above the age of 85 years. The etiology of these disorders is unknown and despite good symptomatic treatments, there is no cure. These studies aim to elucidate the pathogenesis of PD and dystonia at the genetic, epigenetic and molecular level and use this knowledge to identify novel therapeutic targets.
The candidate will be leading a fully funded research project aiming at elucidating novel genetic, epigenetic and molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, dystonia and other movement disorders. The studies are based on unique materials from large (>2000), homogenous and extensively characterized patient groups.
Main tasks will include integrative and innovative analyses of large-scale data sets including data from whole exome sequencing, targeted re-sequencing, SNP-chip arrays and genome-wide DNA methylation.
The candidate will work closely with the PI, one postdoc, and a PhD candidate employed on this project. The TSNA group includes both clinicians and basic scientists devoted to the study of neurodegenerative disorders. We have well-equipped laboratory facilities and full access to bioinformatics labs with state-of-the-art analysis tools. We also have access to a wide array of university platforms covering microscopy, metabolomics, transcriptomics and proteomics.
The candidate will interact directly with a highly competitive and stimulating research environment including neurologists, pathologists, geneticists and bioinformaticians.
This position is ideal for candidates interested in highly translational research in the field of aging and neurodegeneration. This post will offer substantial opportunities for career development and growth.
For further information about the project and the position, please contact Dr Charalampos Tzoulis, phone: + 47 55 97 50 58; or + 47 55 97 50 45 (Departmental office), e-mail:Charalampos.Tzoulis@nevro.uib.no
Qualifications
We are seeking a talented scientist with expertise in advanced bioinformatic and statistical analyses, already holding a PhD or equivalent degree to drive this project.
Experience is required in the following areas:
- Quality-control and processing of whole-exome sequencing datasets (from FASTQ to VCF and downstream application specific files e.g. Plink).
- Integrative hypothesis-free (e.g. GWA-style) and hypothesis-based (e.g. effects of specific genes and pathways) analyses of large unbiased datasets, such as whole-exome sequencing data
- Fluency in Unix-based environments and experience with basic software of the trade (e.g. R, Plink, PlinkSeq, Raremetals, MAGMA, etc)
- Experience in collapsing methods to study genetic variants at the level of genes and pathways will be prioritised.
- Additional experience in analyses of epigenetic information (e.g. methylome) will be prioritised.
- Experience in mitochondrial genetics will be prioritised.
- The candidate should be proficient in spoken and written English.
Qualities
High scientific ambition, determination, and the desire for innovation and impact will be emphasized. Personal skills will be emphasized. The candidate should be able to work independently and interactively in a team setting, be motivated and responsible, and also have a strong commitment and enthusiasm for research.
We can offer
- Salary will be paid in accordance with level 59-62 on the government salary scale (code 1109/pay framework 24.3 - 24.6); at present NOK 500 300 - 528 800 gross p.a. for a full time position; following ordinary meriting regulations. A pension contribution of 2 % will be deducted and deposited to the state pension scheme.
- An excellent work environment in a research group that is at the forefront of its field
- A highly competitive starting salary and further promotion after service seniority in the position.
- A good pension scheme in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
- Bergen offers an extensive range of facilities for both cultural and leisure activities.
Recruitment to state employment
State employment shall reflect the multiplicity of the population at large to the highest possible degree. The University of Bergen has therefore adopted a personnel policy objective to ensure that we achieve a balanced age and sex composition and the recruitment of persons of various ethnic backgrounds. Persons of different ethnic backgrounds are therefore encouraged to apply for the position.
Information about the applicant may be made public even though the applicant has requested not to be named in the list of applicants. The applicant will be notified if their request is not respected.
The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at any time.
How to apply
Send your application with attachments electronically via: Jobbnorge.no. See links to advertisement below:
- http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/532217-researcher-in-bioinformatics-statistical-genetics-at-the-department-of-clinical-medicine
- http://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/115288/full-time-temporary-position-as-researcher-in-bioinformatics-statistical-genetics-at-the-department-of-clinical-medicine
The application
The application must contain:
- A brief letter of application stating your motivation for the position
- A curriculum vitae with a complete review of education and professional experience
- Full-text version of up to the 10 most relevant scholarly works that the candidate wishes the expert committee should place special emphasis in its evaluation
- PhD program transcript and certificate, thesis dissertation date
- Scanned witnessed copies of diplomas and relevant certificates. (Applicants with education from other countries than Norway must enclose witnessed diplomas in both the original language and authorized translation into English or Norwegian)
- Complete list of publications
- Two references (name and contact information)
Please note that applications sent by e-mail will not be considered.
Closing date for applications: 12 August 2015
