Researcher at the Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, 20% position

About the position and research group 

Applications are invited for a 20% researcher position at the Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE, University of Oslo). The candidate will be part of the research group on causal inference and survival analysis led by Professor Jon Michael Gran. They will work on the development and application of causal and statistical methods to study the effect of interventions on longitudinal individual event histories based on large-scale Norwegian linked registry data. The position is connected to the “Improving causal inference for individual working life trajectories from registry data: studying interventions, estimands and heterogeneity” project, funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN). The project is a close collaboration with groups at the National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI) and Oslo University Hospital. The position is founded for 3.5 years.

The research group on causal inference and survival analysis is part of the Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE). OCBE is one of Europe's most active biostatistics groups with currently ca 75 researchers. OCBE is internationally recognized, with interests spanning a broad range of areas - including causal inference and survival models, computationally intensive inference, high-dimensional and big data, machine learning, measurement uncertainty and research for clinical trials and observational studies - and has numerous collaborations with leading biomedical research groups internationally and in Norway.

Main tasks for the position

The candidate will participate in the RCN funded project in the design and implementation of studies, development and implementation of statistical methods, preparation of manuscripts and communication of research findings. We provide an exciting and friendly research environment for the development and application of new causal and statistical methods in a collaborative and interdisciplinary fashion, with various national and international collaborators. The candidate will work closely with other project members at OCBE, STAMI and OUS, and participate in regular project meetings. The candidate will work closely with the causal inference and survival analysis group at OCBE. Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team is essential.

In particular, the candidate will work on the development and application of causal and statistical methods for to study the effect of interventions on longitudinal individual event histories based on large-scale linked data from Norwegian administrative and health registries. Key application areas will be the study of the effects of interventions related to the Norwegian agreement for a more inclusive working life in the general population, and the effect of rehabilitation and medical treatments on return to work in patients recovering after traumatic injury, on long term work and sick leave related outcomes. This requires development and application of causal and statistical methods suitable for studying long-term longitudinal multi-state outcomes and individual heterogeneity. 

What skills are important in this role?/ Qualifications / Competence / Selection criteria 

Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in biostatistics, statistics or applied mathematics. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved. Experience with causal inference for survival outcomes, and previous knowledge on estimands, identification and estimation in complex time-to-event settings, is a strong advantage.

Experience with biostatistical and/or epidemiological applications is required. Relevant biomedical expertise and experience with interdisciplinary collaborations is a strong advantage.

 

• Strong quantitative and computational skills. Fluency in R or equivalent software is required. 
• Candidates must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Personal suitability will be emphasized.
• Working language in the group and at OCBE is English, hence fluency in English is required.

 Why should you choose us?

• Exciting and meaningful tasks in an organization with an important societal mission, contributing to knowledge development, education, and enlightenment that promote sustainable, fair, and knowledge-based societal development.
• Committed colleagues in a good working environment.
• Good welfare schemes.
• Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours.
• A workplace with good development and career opportunities. 
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.
• Salary in position as Researcher, position code 1109  for 20% position based on what would correspond to NOK 584 500- 679 700 per annum in 100%, depending on qualifications. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.

 

Read more about the benefits of working in the public sector at Employer Portal.

Inclusive worklife and diversity at UiO

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

We hope that you will apply for the position. 

Application

To be considered, please complete the online application including a cover letter, CV and three professional references. The cover letter should include:

•  Description of the candidate’s relevant experience and training.
•  Documentation of the candidate’s experience with statistical software and analysis of data from registries.
•  Description of the candidate’s experience with biostatistical or epidemiological applications.
• Three references with phone numbers, emails and addresses.
•  Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language). In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications as well as the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged..

When applying for the position, we ask you to retrieve your education results from Vitnemålsportalen.no. If your education results are not available through Vitnemålsportalen, we ask you to upload copies of your transcripts or grades. Please note that all documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

General information

The best qualified candidates will invited for interviews.

Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we can't, you will hear from us.

Please refer to Regulations for the Act on universities and colleges chapter 3 (Norwegian) and Rules for the use of research posts SKO 1108, 1109, 1110 and 1183 at UiO.

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.