Postdoctoral Fellow

Postdoctoral Fellow in the TODAY randomised controlled clinical trial-Unit for Clinical Research, Division of Rheumatology and Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital

Diakonhjemmet Hospital is a local hospital serving approximately 150,000 residents in Frogner, Ullern, and Vestre Aker, in Oslo.

The hospital has extended responsibilities for geriatric and psychiatric health care services and elderly patients with fractures in Oslo. In addition, Diakonhjemmet Hospital has regional and national responsibilities in rheumatology and rheumatic surgery. Diakonhjemmet Hospital is a non-profit, publicly funded hospital owned by the Diakonhjemmet Foundation. See www.diakonhjemmetsykehus.no

The Division of Rheumatology and Research has substantial clinical research activity. In addition, the division has important hospital-wide responsibilities related to the organization of research and innovation. In 2022, we established REMEDY – Research Center for Treatment in Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Diseases – at Diakonhjemmet Hospital. See www.remedy-senter.no

At Diakonhjemmet Hospital there is a vacant postdoctoral position which will start in spring 2026. The TODAY study and this position are funded by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority and the applicant may choose between a 50% position over 6 years or a 100% position over 3 years. The post-doctoral candidate will work primarily with the TODAY study, a randomised controlled trial comparing the effect of patient-guided vs. prescribed TNF inhibitors in patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

About the position
The TODAY study is a planned large randomised controlled clinical trial addressing a clinically important question in the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis.

The study will be classified as a clinical trial according to the Clinical Trials Regulation EU No 536/2014, and requires approval through the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS). Work tasks in the startup phase include protocol development, and as a postdoctoral fellow you will be responsible for progress in the application process. Later, you will be involved in developing study operations, coordinating and organizing the trial, statistical analyses, supervision (Master/PhD theses), and publication of results.

While the data collection is ongoing in TODAY, there will be multiple opportunities to participate in related epidemiological studies within the REMEDY center, and the study is expected to generate many important publications.

As a postdoctoral fellow, you will be a member in Work Package 6 in the REMEDY Center: https://remedy-senter.no/forskning/wp6. This work package focuses on longitudinal studies, epidemiology, and health economics. We manage a number of cohort studies within inflammatory rheumatic diseases (NOR-DMARD, NOR-Gout, NOR-Econ, RehabNytte). Several of the studies are linked to national registries, providing unique datasets. The fellow will also be affiliated with Work Package 1 focusing on clinical trials, and employed by the Unit for Clinical Research, as part of a large and active research environment within the REMEDY Center. The person who assumes the position will also collaborate closely with various departments within the hospital and with partner hospitals throughout Norway. Some national and international travel should be expected.

Work tasks

• Plan and carry out research tasks, including protocol development, applications to regulatory bodies, and day-to-day follow-up of the TODAY trial
  
• Data management and data analysis, including statistical analyses
  
• Write scientific articles and present results at meetings and congresses
  
• Collaborate with other researchers and contribute actively to the research environment in the department, project group, and among partners
  

Qualifications

• PhD degree within Medicine or Health Science
  
• Authorization and experience as a healthcare professional
  
• Experience with managing and organizing research, including clinical drug trials
  
• Proficiency in a Nordic language, or strong motivation to learn Norwegian (B2 within the first year of the project period)
  
• Strong academic English language skills, both oral and written
  
• Relevant research experience, especially work with large databases and statistical analyses
  
• Clinical experience in a relevant field is an advantage, primarily in rheumatology

Personal qualities

We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow who:

• Takes responsibility, has a strong capacity for work, and can work independently
  
• Is result oriented and structured
  
• Has good collaboration and communication skills
• Has the ability to build networks and enjoys interdisciplinary collaboration

We offer

• Affiliation with an outstanding clinical research environment
  
• Excellent opportunities for academic development
  
• An inspiring and supportive work environment with close supervision and regular meetings and seminars, including through our Young Researcher Program
  
• Good access to support functions such as statisticians and librarians
  
• Opportunities for research stays in collaborating research groups abroad
  
• Salary by agreement

Employment and working conditions, pension scheme, group life and accident insurance follow the agreements between employee organisations and the Hospital.

About the recruitment
In the assessment, the main emphasis will be on the applicant’s potential as a researcher as evidenced in the application and based on relevant experience. Work experience and other activities of importance for carrying out the project will also be considered. Diakonhjemmet Hospital values diversity, and we encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of age, gender, disability, or background. The same applies if you have had career breaks.

To apply, please use our electronic application form.

The application must include:

• Application letter and CV
  
• List of publications
  
• Contact information for two referees
  
• Diplomas/transcripts

Applicants considered best qualified will be invited for an interview. The interview will aim to assess personal suitability for the position, motivation, and potential for development in the assigned tasks. Impressions from the interview, in addition to the academic evaluation, will form the basis for hiring.

Diakonhjemmet sykehus er et lokalsykehus for ca. 150 000 innbyggere i bydelene Frogner,
Ullern og Vestre Aker. Sykehuset har utvidet ansvarsområde for alderspsykiatri
og eldre med brudd, og regionsykehusfunksjoner innen revmatologi og
revmakirurgi. Diakonhjemmet sykehus er et ideelt diakonalt aksjeselskap eid av
Diakonhjemmet stiftelse.

Se www.diakonhjemmetsykehus.no