PhD Position in Neuroendocrinology

Department of Psychiatry, Diakonhjemmet Hospital
Unit for Research, Development and Education in Psychiatry

We invite applications for a 3-year full-time position as a PhD candidate at Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway, in close collaboration with the Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT, http://www.med.uio.no/norment/english). The candidate will use readily available datasets and state-of-the-art methods to investigate how endocrine and immunological modulations in pregnancy and during the transition to menopause impact women’s brain aging and constitute risk for illnesses impacting the brain, such as AD and depression.

The position is financed by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority and tied to the research project “FemHealth: deciphering the role of immunoendocrine factors during pregnancy and menopause in women’s mental health”, led by Dr. Claudia Barth (https://www.med.uio.no/norment/personer/seniorforskere/barth/index.html). The candidate will be affiliated with the Multimodal Imaging Group at the University of Oslo (https://www.med.uio.no/norment/english/research/groups/multimodal-imaging/index.html) and the FemiLab (https://www.unil.ch/lren/en/home/menuinst/teams-science/femilab---womens-brain-health.html).

While Mai 1st 2023 is the preferred start date, it is negotiable! December 1st is the latest possible start date.

Both NORMENT, University of Oslo, and Diakonhjemmet Hospital are equal opportunity workplaces, which encourage and promote the research of all employees, independent of gender, age, or ethnic background. We encourage everyone to apply for the position. 

Main duties and responsibilities:

Qualifications:

• The candidate must be qualified for admission to the Ph.D. program at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo (https://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/).
  
• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, psychology, neuroscience, medicine, or other relevant fields. Candidates who will complete their degree within the starting date will also be considered.
  
• Experience with genetic and MRI data analysis is beneficial, but training will be provided. Research experience related to neuroscience, biological psychiatry or mental health research, will be regarded a substantial strength.
  
• Previous experience with statistical analysis and programming (R, Python or similar) is a plus. An interest in acquiring the necessary statistical and computational skills is required.
  
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are required.
  
• Ability to work independently, organized and focused.
  
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills are required.
  
• Interest in performing and promoting Open Science practices and Women’s Health Advocacy will be regarded as a strength.
  

We can offer:

• An ambitious and exciting research environment with a strong multidisciplinary profile, and excellent academic and transferable skills development opportunities.
  
• Supervision and support for the Ph.D. project.
  
• Competitive salary within the framework of a Ph.D. position, depending on experience and qualifications (NOK 560 000/ year ).
  
• Possibility to attend scientific conferences and visit collaborating partners for short research stays (e.g., Lausanne, Switzerland).
  
• Attractive welfare benefits and generous pension agreements (including excellent benefits for families e.g., paid paternal/maternal leave, etc.). In addition, Oslo offers a family-friendly environment with rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities in its immediate surroundings.
  

How to apply:

• Cover letter (summarizing education and research experience, statement of motivation, research interest, and research and career plans, max. 3 pages).
  
• CV summarizing education, positions, and relevant experiences (e.g., previous publications/preprints with valid links).
  
• Copies of relevant educational certificates (academic transcripts only). For education outside Scandinavia, we ask for an explanation of the grading system.
• List of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)
   
  All documents need to be in English. We will emphasize academic qualifications, the candidate’s motivation, and personal suitability when assessing the applications. We will perform interviews as part of the selection process.