PhD position – Multi-disciplinary application of data science approaches to investigate autoimmune...

The Center for Health Data Science at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, is offering a combined Research Assistant-PhD scholarship (five months plus three years, respectively) in multi-disciplinary application of data science approaches to investigate autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and co-occurring conditions.

Starting date is expected to be 17 January 2022.

Center for Health Science Data

The Center for Health Data Science (HeaDS) is a newly formed center at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, which is a hub for data science research at the Faculty and offers support to other research groups. Around 20 top researchers/research groups are members of the Center, and we aim to establish more groups within the Center and create a world-class research environment for health data science with close links to the many experimental and clinical groups at the Faculty. HeaDS is located at the Panum Institute. The project will be in the group of Assistant Professor Tugce Karaderi.

Job/Study Description

The project will focus on the application of state-of-the art data science approaches to study the genomics, epidemiology and pathophysiology of AITD, which is one of the most common endocrine conditions worldwide. Having AITD increases the risk for adverse cardiovascular, metabolic, psychological, reproductive conditions as well as thyroid cancer and other immune-mediated diseases, while affecting the quality of life of the patients. We will use a multi-disciplinary and integrative approach combining various data types. The project will (1) define disease co-morbidities and patient profiles in multiple large datasets such as the Danish registries involving longitudinal analyses, and (2) investigate the genomics of AITD and its co-morbidities to more precisely understand the relevant risk factors and biological mechanisms, and hence, offer novel approaches for more personalized healthcare to the patients, most of whom require life-long treatment, as well as to the individuals at risk.

Required qualifications:

• A master degree in Bioinformatics, Genomics, Computer Science, Mathematics/Statistics, Physics, Engineering or similar (Your master degree must be equivalent to a 2-year Danish master degree – for information on degrees already assessed, please see here  or here )
• Strong programming experience in R and/or Python
• Excellent command of English (written and oral communication)
• Experience with epidemiology and/or biostatistics
• Either experience with genomic epidemiology or with deep learning (e.g. Pytorch)
• Experience with the application of epidemiological and/or health data science approaches in large biological/medical datasets

It is expected that applicants have a passion for medical applications of data science. Experience in bioinformatics in general, a good understanding of epidemiology and biostatistics, and familiarity with multi-omics datasets and machine learning will be considered advantageous. 

Your key tasks as an RA/PhD student at the Faculty are to:

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Write scientific articles and the PhD thesis on the grounds of your research project
• Complete PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points
• Obtain experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
• Participate in national and international conferences and scientific meetings
• Stay at an external research institution, preferably abroad

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the position
• Relevant work experience
• Previous publications
• Grades and grade point average achieved
• Other professional activities
• Language skills

Supervision

The research will be performed under the supervision of Assistant Professor Tugce Karaderi.

Application Procedure:

Apply by clicking "Apply Now" below. 

Applications - in English - must include: 

• Cover Letter detailing your motivation and background for applying. Make sure to include a description for why this particular research project is interesting for you.
• CV
• Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in other language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted. 
• As a prerequisite for a PhD fellowship employment, your master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree. We encourage you to read more in the assessment database: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/find-assessment... . Please note that we might ask you to obtain an assessment of your education performed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science
• Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications and/or manuscripts (if any), peer reviewed and others
• Minimum one letter of recommendation 
• Possible references (with contact details – email and telephone numbers)

The closing date for applications is 23.59 pm, 11 October 2021. Applications received later than this date will not be considered.

Application procedure

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. An expert assessment committee is appointed in order to make an assessment of the selected applicants for the specific post. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. You can read about the recruitment process at jobportal.ku.dk .

Please note that the applicant will be contacted if the assessment committee requires further documentation.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Read about the recruitment process .

The main criteria for selection will be the candidate’s research potential and the above-mentioned skills.

Terms of employment:

The successful candidate will be offered a full-time position for a total of 3 years and 5 months – the first five months as research assistant and the following 3 years as PhD student, and employment is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). The transfer to employment as a PhD student after the first five months is conditioned upon a positive assessment of the candidate’s research performance during the first five months as well as acceptance of enrolment in the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

Questions:

For specific information about the position, please contact Assistant Professor Tugce Karaderi, [email protected] .

For more information on working and living in Denmark: https://ism.ku.dk/ .

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 7500 students, 1500 PhD students and 3200 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community. The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

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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.

Tugce Karaderi

E-mail: [email protected]

Application deadline: 11-10-2021

Employment start: 17-01-2022

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Center for Health Data Science