UiB - Knowledge that shapes society

Through robust and close interaction with the world around us – globally, nationally and locally – we shall be instrumental in building a society based on knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Do you want to take part in shaping the future?

. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyaThmIq6Kg

Researcher

At the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine (SEFAS), a full-time (100 %) temporary position as researcher is available for a period of ten (10) months with starting date 01.05.2025. The position is funded by a grant from the Norwegian Directorate of Health to SEFAS. 

SEFAS is s a part of the Department for Global Public Health and Primary Care. The Centre is led by Professor Bettina Husebø and currently counts 20 staff members and a large network both nationally and internationally. SEFAS mainly focuses on research, teaching activities and implementation - based on national and international collaboration. It has several ongoing studies in which sensor data from wearables and radar installation are used to monitor symptoms, intervention effects, and disease course in older adults and people with neurological diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. SEFAS is a partner for the Alrek Health Cluster, Årstadveien, Bergen, and is supported by the Trond Mohn Foundation related to Complex Conditions and Ageing (CC.AGE). 

This researcher position is closely connected to an active research network with experience and expertise from complex health interventions in home-dwelling older adults, and nursing home patients with dementia. The project is expected to produce results of high clinical relevance that qualify for publications in internationally renowned peer-reviewed scientific journals. SEFAS facilitates scientific career building with a long-term perspective. 

The researcher who will occupy the position has to oversee the preparatory tasks by building a base of transdisciplinary knowledge with respect to technology, methodology, and user involvement. The project will combine traditional assessment scales with sensor-based measurements, with novel analyses based on signal processing and artificial intelligence.

About the project/work tasks:

• Running the ongoing research projects of SEFAS in respect to algorithm development signal processing analyses, data curation, development of visualisation for clinicians. 
• Development of software packages and enhancing the theoretical background in advanced digital data analysis for the PhD students of the centre.
• Supervision of PhD candidates
• Developing algorithm to estimate symptoms of neurological diseases such as activity levels in people with dementia or tremors quantification in Parkinson's disease patients by analyzing and interpreting data from wearable devices such as smart watches.
• Investigating a future use of functional near infra-red spectroscopy (fNIRS) as a way to assess the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
• Work toward the internationalization of the Centre’s research
• Conduct short-term teaching assignments on behalf of SEFAS
• Support the Centre administration in matters related to research and internationalization

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• The applicant must hold a relevant Norwegian PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in biomedical sciences with a specialisation in neuroscience. 
• The successful applicant must have experience in research for older adults, specifically, neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease or dementia. 
• Experience from or formal training within health technology, sensor technology, analysis and processing of large data sets, signal processing and experience with MATLAB is a prerequisite. 
• The successful applicant must have an experience in PhD supervision or cosupervision. 
• Familiarity with the current research projects at SEFAS is an advantage. 
• A publication record at international level, with a neuroimaging movement related focus is a requirement. 
• Documented experience from human neuroimaging is a requirement. 
• Proficiency in both written and oral English is a requirement. 
• Basics language skills in Norwegian is a prerequisite. 
• Teaching experience both in technology, engineering, or mathematics and psychology or health science is a requirement. 
• Applicants who fulfil the requirements for the position will be ranked according to their strength within their respective fields in relation to the relevance of their competence towards SEFAS’ current needs, strategic goals and prioritized areas for future development. 
• Personal characteristics that will be emphasized in the consideration of applicants include the ability to work independently in a structured manner, cooperate with others, motivation, sense of responsibility and accountability, work capacity and enthusiasm for research.

The applicant’s personal suitability for the position is a significant factor in the evaluation.

We can offer:

• A good and challenging work environment in research front of your role in a strong professional environment
• Salary NOK 635 400 (code 1109), specialist NOK 657 300 (code 1109) gross p.a. for a fulltime position. In the case of a highly qualified applicant, a higher salary may be considered.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Good welfare benefits

Your application must include:

• A brief letter of application stating your motivation for the position, why you are applying and why this position is perfect for you 
• An overview of your education and work experience (CV) 
• Witnessed copies of diplomas and relevant certificates (applicants with education from other countries than Norway must enclose diplomas in both the original language and authorized translations) 
• Publications and academic work (max 10 in PDF) and a list of these 
• Your PhD thesis (in PDF)
• Two references (name and contact information It is very important that each of the scholarly works on which the committee should place special emphasis, is attached in its entirety.)

The following premise forms the basis for the post as research scientist:

• The researcher will be a member of the research group of which the topic/project belongs to 
• The salary shall if possible be 100 % covered by external financing 
• The researcher shall actively contribute to attract external funding to the research project, both for her/his own position and other positions, from the Research Council of Norway, EU and other sources 
• The researcher is expected to have her/his research activity financed by the project of the researcher and the projects of the associated research group 
• The Head of Department may allocate work for the Researcher related to specific research projects 
• The researcher may participate in committee work and other administrative tasks within the University of Bergen 
• The researcher has no teaching duties, but is expected to supervise master students and PhD candidates when this is a natural part of the research activity of the research group 
• The researcher may apply for competence promotion according to the regulations for promotions 
• The basis for the position ceases if no further project funding and new law on state officials etc. on dismissal and preferential rights will be applied to permanent employees

General information:

Further information about the position can be obtained from: Professor, Bettina Husebø, email: Bettina.husebo@uib.no, phone: 480 94 660.

Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.For further information about the recruitment process, click here.