Computational Scientist to assist cutting-edge metabolic Research Group Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) University of Copenhagen

We are seeking a Computational Scientist with expertise in data science, bioinformatics, or computational biology to enhance our research team's capabilities in conducting top-tier metabolic research. This role is an ideal opportunity for ambitious scientists keen to apply and develop their computational expertise to the management and analysis of multimodal single-cell datasets, utilizing advanced data science and machine learning techniques. The start data is February 15, 2024, or after agreement.

About CBMR
Our researchers share a common purpose as they seek to transform the basic understanding of the mechanisms involved in cardiometabolic health and disease, and to accelerate this knowledge towards new prevention and treatment strategies.

The Center has around 260 employees, consisting of 21 research groups and 6 enabling biology and technology platforms, who work in a vibrant international research environment with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Center’s research has resulted in seminal discoveries as to how genes, hormones, and environmental factors influence metabolic health and disease throughout life. You may read more about us at www.cbmr.ku.dk . 

About the Pers Group

The successful candidate will work in the Pers Group at the CBMR. We conduct cutting-edge research on the molecular mechanisms underlying susceptibility to obesity and type 2 diabetes, with a particular focus on brain-centric molecular pathways. We apply advanced machine learning to data from cutting-edge variant-to-function techniques and use CRISPR-based genome engineering to uncover novel insights.

Most of our data is generated within the Pers Group or in collaboration with the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, with which we are affiliated. To validate our hypotheses, we employ physiologically relevant transgenic rodent models, bridging the gap between molecular discoveries and real-world therapeutic applications.

Our team comprises seven Scientists with machine learning, computer science, and bioinformatics backgrounds, as well as five Scientists with wet-lab backgrounds—all group members engage in scripting/programming on a regular basis. We are closely integrated into the CBMR and annually visit our collaborators at the Broad Institute in Boston. Please find more information about the Pers Group on CBMR’s website .

The role

As a Computational Scientist in the Pers Group, you will be responsible for assisting our group members in the following overall tasks:

• Building and maintaining a genomic data repository to enable efficient access to and sharing of data within the research group and with collaborators.
• Development of predictive models for obesity and type 2 diabetes susceptibility using machine learning on large-scale genomic datasets.
• Integrating multi-omics data to identify novel biological mechanisms.
• Assisting with the design of experiments based on insights gleaned from computational analyses to test hypotheses in vitro and in vivo.
• Assisting with grant and manuscript preparation, particularly with the visual representation of data and statistical analysis.

Your profile
Required education/skills

• An academic Science degree in bioinformatics, computer science, systems biology, biotechnology, or similar fields
• Solid programming skills in scripting languages such as R or Python.
• Solid experience with Unix environments, job scheduling systems, and cloud computing.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker.
• Experience in processing single-cell multiome sequencing and other single-cell data types would be ideal.
• Experience with human genetics data is highly desirable.

Personal skills

• Motivated and diligent, with excellent teamwork skills.
• Eager to help/train scientists of diverse backgrounds.
• Must be fluent in English for writing and speaking.

We offer

• Creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment
• Highly motivated colleagues and the possibility to contribute to and co-author cutting-edge scientific publications
• Attractive employment conditions
• A centrally located workplace

Place of employment 
The place of employment is the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

Terms of salary and employment 

The employment as a staff scientist is a 3-year full-time position starting February 15, 2024, or after agreement. Employment will be as Academic Research Officer or Research Consultant in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement between the Danish ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations), with the possibility to negotiate a salary supplement based on prior experiences and qualifications.

Questions

For further questions about the job description and qualifications, please contact Associate Professor Tune H Pers at [email protected] . For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact SUND HR CBMR at [email protected] .

Application procedure

Your application, in English, should include:

• A letter of motivation
• Curriculum Vitae
• Copies of relevant certificates of education

Please submit your application by clicking on “Apply now” below.

Application deadline: 1 January 2024 at 23:59 CET.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider application that to not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

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

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.