Post doctoral fellow in uncertainty in scientific assesments (PA2022/2910)

Subject description
Characterisation of uncertainty includes identifying sources of uncertainty and evaluating their importance on the conclusions of an assessment. Subjective probability is a quantitative description of uncertainty that allows for combining principles of expert elicitation with Bayesian inference and probabilistic modelling. The aim of this research is to develop and study the implementation of principles and methods to characterise uncertainty using subjective probability in scientific assessment in practice.  

Work duties
The postdoc will work with integrating data and evidence into models using computational modelling, including statistical modelling and machine learning, combined with expert knowledge elicitation to assess uncertainty in conclusions of an assessment. Specific focus is on uncertainties associated with new approach methodologies (NAMs) and Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) used for chemical safety assessment as part of the RISK-HUNT3R project. The candidate will be involved in conceptualisation and applications of uncertainty characterisation in case studies defined within the project. This is a multi-disciplinary project involving statistical modelling and risk assessment, in collaboration with researchers in other disciplines, such as toxicology and molecular biology as well as computational science, statistics and risk analysis.

• Active contribution to method development, including taking part of training, to pursue the overall project goals
• Active participation at international conferences is expected, as well as dissemination of results in peer-reviewed publications
• If interested, supervise degree projects as well as co-supervise PhD
• Actively seek independent research funding during the employment period, providing the opportunity to transition towards an independent researcher position
• Limited administration

Qualification requirements
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, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• A higher education in mathematics and statistics or similar, with experience in Bayesian modelling

We are looking for a candidate with an interest in using subjective probability to quantify uncertainty. There will be learning opportunities in principles and methods for expert knowledge elicitation, Bayesian modelling (including generelisations thereof) and chemical safety assessment.   

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research
• Teaching skills

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience of expert knowledge elicitation, evidence synthesis, quantitative risk assessment or uncertainty analysis in risk assessment
• Experience of NAMs and AOPs for assessment of chemical exposure and effects on humans
• The applicants must have the ability to collaborate well and communicate scientific materials to non-scientists

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. 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 fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated February 1st 2022.

 Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages)
• contact information of at least two references
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered