Researcher in genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, computational biology, machine learning or a related field

Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research
University of Copenhagen



We are looking to hire a highly motivated and dynamic Researcher with extensive expertise in genetic epidemiology, biostatistics, statistical genetics and/or machine learning to work on projects related to precision cardiovascular medicine in the Loos and Merino Groups. The position is a 3-year position starting March 1, 2025, or after agreement.

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.

Our group and research
The Loos Group aims to identify the genetic and non-genetic determinants of body weight regulation to gain insight into the deeper layers of biology that underlie obesity and metabolism. Additionally, the group aims to improve prediction, prevention, and treatment through the implementation of precision health strategies. You can read more about the Loos Group here.

The Merino Group investigates how molecular and environmental factors modulate variable metabolic responses to therapeutic interventions and shape food choice behavior. The group aims to generate actionable knowledge to inform more effective obesity and diabetes prevention and treatment strategies. You can read more about the Merino Group here.

Project description
The project aims to leverage dynamic and high dimensional data to identify genetic, molecular, environmental, clinical, and phenotypic signatures that underlie the heterogeneity of treatment responses in obesity and type 2 diabetes. By stratifying the population into more homogeneous subtypes, we seek to advance our understanding of the etiology of these subtypes and their implications for prevention, prediction, and treatment. Working on this interdisciplinary project will require experience in epidemiology (general, molecular, and genetic), statistics and machine learning.

Your job
Your responsibilities will include leveraging advanced computational and statistical methods, including machine learning, harmonizing, curating, and analyzing multi-omics datasets alongside rich clinical information. In addition, you will contribute to the development and validation of predictive models for stratification in type 2 diabetes and obesity and variable response to current clinical interventions. It is expected that you will present research findings at scientific conferences and contribute to the publication of peer-reviewed articles.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and qualifications:

• a PhD in (genetic) epidemiology, statistical genetics, computational biology, machine learning or a related field.
• a strong computation background and expertise in dealing with large datasets, including human genetics, and ideally proteomics and/or single-cell omics.
• experience in (batch) HPC and/or cloud computing environments.
• strong skills in R, Stata, and/or Python.
• experience in working with multi-omics datasets in cardiometabolic diseases
• an interest in conceiving and designing new projects, in line with the groups’ research focuses.
• a proven track record showing scientific productivity in peer-reviewed journals.
• excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken, and ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.

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

Terms of employment
The employment as Researcher is a full time and fixed-term position for 3 years. Starting date is March 1, 2025.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation 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 the last 10 years.

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

Questions
For further information please contact Professor Ruth Loos 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 for the position

3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate.

4. List of publications

Application deadline: 20 December 2024, 23.59pm CET

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.