Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Human Epigenetics

Applications are invited for a two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship in Computational Epigenetics within the project “Nickel, cobalt, and respiratory cancer: Unmasking the relationship with lower occupational exposures, potential impact on public health, and biological mechanisms.” The position is based at the Section for Molecular Epidemiology and Infections, Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH).

The Department of Research at the Cancer Registry comprises 16 researchers, 9 postdoctoral fellows, 6 PhD candidates, and several master’s students, forming a dynamic research environment of more than 30 scientists, supported by a dedicated research support section. Additional research activities are conducted across other departments of the Cancer Registry and NIPH, covering a broad range of disciplines including cancer etiology, biomolecular research, screening, early detection, and cancer prognosis.

Our research focuses on early detection, exposure, and effect biomarkers using both existing biobank resources and newly collected samples. Epidemiological and molecular studies utilize individual-level cancer information from the Cancer Registry, which encompasses seven decades of comprehensive national cancer registration, as well as biological samples linked to diverse health outcomes.

The Project and Position
The project, funded by the Norwegian Cancer Society, investigates the effects of exposure to nickel- and cobalt-containing compounds among Norwegian metal refinery workers. The Cancer Registry of Norway has a long history of research in this area and has contributed significantly to improving worker safety. The project consists of two work packages: epidemiological and biomolecular. The successful candidate will lead the analysis of epigenetic differences associated with metal exposure, including genome-wide DNA methylation and histone modifications measured in blood samples collected from workers exposed to varying levels of metals.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will preprocess raw laboratory data (generated prior to this appointment) and perform bioinformatics analyses to link metal exposure with potential epigenetic alterations measured in blood DNA (exposure biomarkers). The Fellow will work with raw DNA methylation data generated using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip (850K array) and raw sequencing data from ChIP-seq or CUT&Tag experiments.

The Fellow will collaborate closely with the project team, including the Postdoctoral Fellow responsible for the epidemiological work package. More information about the research group is available on the project webpage: https://www.fhi.no/en/projects/cancer/nikkel-kobolt-og-luftveiskreft/. The Fellow will join a highly active thematic research group working on environmental and occupational hazards, including 2 PhD candidates, 3 Postdoctoral Fellows, 1 Researcher, and 4 Senior Researchers.

Key Responsibilities and Skills

• Perform quality control of epigenetic data (MethylationEPIC, ChIP-seq) within Trusted Research Environments (TREs)
• Link epigenetic data with participant questionnaires and cohort data
• Conduct differential analysis to identify CpG sites or genomic regions associated with metal exposure
• Analyze sequencing data from histone modification assays
• Annotate identified epigenetic patterns using functional databases
• Search public databases to enrich study findings
• Summarize results and prepare manuscripts for scientific journals; present findings to stakeholders, industry partners, regulatory bodies, and the public
• Maintain data integrity and adhere to the data management plan within the TRE
• Document analysis steps in local GitHub repositories
• Demonstrate initiative and take a lead role in project tasks
• Maintain contact with the project’s reference group and initiate outreach activities

Required Qualifications, Preferred Qualifications and Personal Skills

Required Qualifications
• PhD* in bioinformatics, human epigenetics, cancer biology, systems biology, or a related field
• Documented programming experience (R and Python)
• Proficiency in Linux and High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems; servers hosted within TREs
• Proven academic track record with publications in scientific journals
• Fluency in English with strong written and verbal communication skills

*Applicants who have submitted their PhD dissertation for evaluation before the application deadline may apply. Appointment is contingent upon successful public defense.

Preferred Qualifications and Personal Skills
• Experience with human epigenetic data, preferably in cancer or environmental/occupational exposure studies
• Expertise in bioinformatics analyses of DNA methylation (MethylationEPIC) and histone modification data (ChIP-seq), including advanced statistical approaches
• Familiarity with GitHub and containerization tools (Singularity or Docker) within a TRE environment
• Knowledge of TSD (our TRE): https://www.uio.no/english/services/it/research/sensitive-data/index.html
• Awareness of common pitfalls and biases in epigenetic data analysis
• Ability to think critically, work independently, and communicate effectively with scientists and stakeholders
• Working language at NIPH is Norwegian; non-Norwegian speakers will be encouraged to learn the language

We Offer

• The position is remunerated as a postdoctoral researcher (position code 1352) within the salary range NOK 660 000–690 000, depending on qualifications.
• Dedicated supervision and mentoring in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Opportunities for professional development, including career planning, courses, workshops, and international conferences (subject to funding)
• A friendly work–life balance and excellent cultural and outdoor opportunities in Oslo

How to Apply

The application must include:
•Coverletter (motivation, summary of scientific work and research interests)
•CV (education, positions, administrative and pedagogical experience, other qualifications)
•Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
•Complete list of publications arranged by year
•Up to 5 selected publications with applicant’s contribution highlighted
•List of 2–3 references (name, relation, email, phone number)

Applications with attachments must be submitted through our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants should include an explanation of their university’s grading system. All documents must be in English (or a Scandinavian language). Assessment will emphasize documented academic qualifications, motivation, and personal suitability. Interviews will be conducted with shortlisted candidates.

NIPH collaborates with Semac for background checks of relevant candidates. Any background check will be carried out after obtaining your consent as an applicant and involves verifying your CV and other application documentation in connection with the recruitment process.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s vision is better health for all. We produce, summarize and communicate knowledge for the public health sector and healthcare services. Our main activities are emergency preparedness, knowledge and infrastructure. Infrastructure comprises registries, health surveys, biobanks and laboratory services. The Institute is a government organization under the Ministry of Health. We have approximately 1300 employees located in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Levanger og Tynset.

The Institute is committed to diversity. We urge qualified candidates to apply for a job with us, regardless gender, age, disability, ethnic or national background, or if there are periods of absence from work.