Postdoctoral fellowship in data science, epidemiology, bioinformatics, and genomics

Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research
University of Copenhagen

We are looking to hire a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc with a PhD to join the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Candidates should have a strong background in data science, epidemiology, bioinformatics, machine learning, and/or genomic medicine and be interested in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The position is a 3-year position to start December 1, 2024, or after agreement. The position is available in the Merino Group.

Background
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) is an academic research Center that pioneers groundbreaking research towards better cardiometabolic health. Through collaborative interdisciplinary research from single-cell genomics to whole-body systems, CBMR aims to transform the basic understanding of cardiometabolic health and accelerate its translation into prevention and treatment strategies. The Center’s uniquely multi- and interdisciplinary approach combines research in genetics, physiology and pharma­cology, to better understand the complex interplay of the many factors that drive cardiometabolic disease. You can learn more in the Executive Summary of CBMR's Strategy 2024–2028.

CBMR was established in 2010 at the Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences and has been located in the Maersk Tower at PANUM since 2017. The around 260 employees create an international, highly collaborative research environment across disciplines.

The Merino Group investigates how molecular and environmental factors modulate variable metabolic responses to therapeutic interventions with special emphasis on precision diabetes prevention. You can read more about the Merino Group here.

Job description
The successful candidate will work on innovative research projects to identify distinct subtypes of type 2 diabetes. Leveraging two recently awarded, large-scale EU grants, the candidate will conduct in-depth subtyping based on comprehensive phenotype data, including wearables, molecular markers, and behavioral factors.

By analyzing extensive datasets, the candidate will characterize how these subtypes respond differently to preventive interventions and their varying risk of developing complications. This critical role will drive advancements in precision diabetes medicine by uncovering novel insights into the complex of the disease.

The ideal candidate will be at the forefront of data-driven discovery, delving into vast wearable and metabolic phenotype data repositories. By integrating these rich datasets with cutting-edge omics technologies, including genomics and metagenomics, they will contribute to groundbreaking research with the potential to improve diabetes prevention and management.

Skills and qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoc who, in addition to the desired expertise stated above, have the following skills and qualifications:

• PhD in Data science, epidemiology, bioinformatics, and machine learning.
• Expertise in handling and analysing data from wearable devices.
• Previous research experience with continuous glucose monitors is a plus.
• A strong computational background and expertise in dealing with large datasets, including human genetics.
• High level of proficiency in programming.
• An active interest in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolism.
• A proven track record showing scientific productivity in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience in supervising other researchers at different levels.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Maersk Tower, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer a creative and stimulating work environment in a dynamic, international research setting.

Terms of employment
The employment as postdoc is a full-time and fixed-term position for 3 years. Starting date is December 1, 2024, or after agreement.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated.

Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark in the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” from June 28, 2013.

Questions
For further information, please contact Associate Professor Jordi Merino at [email protected] For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact SUND HR CBMR at [email protected].

International applicants may find these links useful www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and https://www.workindenmark.dk/ .

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant to the position
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications

Application deadline: 22 September, 23.59pm CEST
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.



The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.