Postdoctoral researcher in bioinformatics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of workplace

The thoracic surgery-bioinformatics research group conducts several large national and international projects, focusing on increasing our understanding of the development of chronic rejection after heart transplantation and the immunological and non-immunological factors that play a decisive role. The aim is to reduce the risk of rejection through individually tailored treatment. The group uses artificial intelligence (AI) for analysis and modeling. The unit is led by Senior Lecturer Johan Nilsson and consists of assistant researchers and several Ph.D. students. The group is located at BMC in Lund but belongs to the Department of Translational Medicine, Malmö. We are now looking for a skilled, ambitious, and motivated bioinformatitican to be employed as a postdoc. 

Work duties

An important part of the work that the you will perform is extensive quality control (QC), processing, visualization, and analysis of data. The field of bioinformatics is broad and evolving at an impressive pace. Thus, you will be expected to independently monitor developments, work to improve existing pipelines, and present alternative solutions on how to best utilize available data and resources, including visualizations and artificial intelligence for our database of human data. You will be responsible for building the infrastructure (linux server with GPU) to be able to analyze the data. The job also includes participating in the daily work of the research team, collecting patient data, assisting in the supervision of Ph.D. students and undergraduates, and working on producing material for research publications.

Eligibility

 Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. This eligibility requirement needs to be met no later than the time when the employment decision is made. We will mainly consider candidates who have completed their PhD degree no more than three (3) years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier. These circumstances refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical work, positions of trust within trade union organizations or other similar circumstances.

Basis for assessment

At Lund University, employment as a postdoctoral researcher provides opportunities for scientific and pedagogical merit. There is mainly room for merit in research, but also for certain higher education pedagogical training. Teaching may be included in the tasks. For the employment as a postdoctoral research, scientific ability will primarily be taken into account.

Other qualifications

Postdoctoral positions are primarily based on scientific ability and applicants should have a solid background in at least one of the following areas:

• Biostatistics and bioinformatics
• Machine learning
• Survival analysis

Furthermore, the assessment will be made on the basis of the following requirements for the post:

• D. in medicine, bioinformatics, or computer science
• Good written English skills
• Experience in analysis and data mining to identify trends and produce meaningful data visualizations
• Proficiency in R and Python (Pandas and NumPy) or a lower level̊ programming language (C++, Java, etc.)
• Experience in analyzing WGS and RNA-SEQ data, knowledge of modern RNA-SEQ-related methodologies: Star, Kallisto, DESeq2, etc.
• Experience in one of the following core areas: WGS or Exome-seq. Knowledge of modern bioinformatics tools such as GATK, Snakemake, Nextflow, etc. New tools such as Alfafold are an advantage.
• Solid understanding of data analysis where machine learning is an advantage
• Experience working in a Linux and/or macOS environment
• Experience in writing and communicating science
• Good ability to work independently

We will attach great importance to personal suitability. In addition to good collaboration, self-drive, and interpersonal and communication skills, it is important that you are enthusiastic about providing analytical support to ongoing projects and are interested in being part of a dynamic and creative team. 

The following are considered to be a merit:

• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines
• Experience in managing and organizing computer labs, lab books, and protocols and good organizational skills
• Experience in supervising/teaching students
• Experience of working with international partners

Knowledge of epidemiological methods and cardiometabolic disease is highly desirable, but not an obligation.

Terms of employment

This is is a full-time employment limited to 2 years with preliminary start date on or after 1st of March 2023, or according to agreement. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral researcher”) between SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated November 19, 2021. Extension of position up to an additional year may be possible.

Application

Applications must include a personal motivation letter, a CV, contact information of three references, a diploma and other documents you wish to be considered (e.g. letters of recommendation). If your diploma has not yet been issued when you apply for the position, please send it in afterwards via e-mail Sara Tvermoes (sara.tvermoes@med.lu.se).