Researcher Position-PlacLANG Project

About the position

We are seeking a motivated and skilled researcher to join the PlacLANG project, an interdisciplinary research initiative investigating how placental molecular signatures contribute to neurodevelopmental and mental health outcomes across the lifespan. The project combines placental transcriptomics, epidemiological data, neuroimaging and advanced analytical approaches to better understand pathways linking pregnancy complications, placental biology, and later mental health.

The successful candidate will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in psychiatry, neurodevelopment, epidemiology, bioinformatics, and molecular biology. The position will involve both analytical research and coordination of data resources across several ongoing projects and databases.

The appointment is for a period of 2 years, with the possibility of a 1-year extension depending on funding and project needs.

About the PlacLANG project

PlacLANG investigates how placental molecular mechanisms influence neurodevelopmental trajectories and mental health outcomes, with a particular focus on psychosis and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The project integrates placental transcriptomics with longitudinal clinical and epidemiological data to identify early biological signatures associated with later mental health risk.

The project is part of a broader research environment studying obstetric complications, developmental biology, and psychiatric outcomes using genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and population-based data.

Main responsibilities

The researcher will contribute to work packages focused on placental transcriptomics, neurodevelopment, language function, and MRI-based brain analyses within the PlacLANG project.

Key responsibilities include:

• Analysis of placental transcriptomic and cell-free RNA (cfRNA) data, including RNA sequencing quality control, normalization, differential expression analyses, and integrative multi-omics approaches
• Development and implementation of reproducible analytical workflows for transcriptomic and epidemiological datasets
• Statistical analyses of large-scale biological and longitudinal datasets from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and the Youth-TOP cohort
• Data management, harmonization, quality assurance, and maintenance of project databases and sensitive research data
• Coordination and documentation of datasets across collaborating projects and institutions
  
• Assisting with data access procedures, ethical approvals, and compliance with data protection regulations
• Collaborating with national and international research partners in psychiatry, neuroscience, epidemiology, bioinformatics, obstetrics, and computational linguistics
• Contributing to scientific publications, conference presentations, and dissemination activities
• Participating actively in project meetings and contributing to the development of the research environment

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate with:

• A PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular biology, biostatistics, epidemiology, genetics, neuroscience, or a related field
• Experience with transcriptomic or other omics data analysis
• Strong skills in data management and handling of large and complex datasets
• Experience with statistical programming and data analysis tools such as R, Python, or similar
• Knowledge of reproducible research practices and version control systems
• Familiarity with epidemiological or register-based data is an advantage
• Familiarity with MRI data processing and analysis is an advantage
• Experience with mental health, neurodevelopmental, or placental research is desirable but not required
• Strong collaborative and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, systematically, and proactively
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

We offer

• An exciting opportunity to work in a highly interdisciplinary and internationally oriented research environment
• Access to unique datasets and cutting-edge molecular and epidemiological resources
  
• Opportunities for scientific development, collaboration, and publication
  
• A supportive and collaborative working environment with strong methodological expertise
  
• Flexible working arrangements and a modern research infrastructure
  
• Competitive salary and benefits according to institutional regulations

Application

The application should include:

• A cover letter describing research interests and motivation for the position
  
• CV including publication list
  
• Copies of academic transcripts and diplomas
  
• Contact information for 2–3 references
  

Applications will be evaluated based on scientific qualifications, relevant experience, motivation, and personal suitability.
For questions about the position, please contact Laura Wortinger, lauraba@uio.no.
Application deadline: June 14, 2026

Applications must be submitted through the recruitment system.

The Diakonhjemmet Hospital and the University of Oslo are inclusive workplaces committed to diversity and equality. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnic background, or career stage.

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