PhD position in epidemiology and biostatistics

About the position

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our team. As more people are being diagnosed with skin melanoma and advanced cases receive better treatments, the number of survivors is increasing. However, these survivors are still at risk of both tumour recurrence and of developing new melanomas, with individual risk varying significantly. The primary objective of this PhD project is to study the risk factors and outcomes of patients with skin melanoma by employing a multistate analysis approach and utilizing high-quality nationwide registry data from Norway. The findings of this research will provide a better understanding of the dynamic nature of melanoma processes over time, enabling clinicians to improve the risk assessment and communication with patients, optimize the follow-up time, and tailor surveillance and treatments strategies for melanoma survivors. The selected candidate will be a part of the Cancer Epidemiology research group and the epidemiological and biostatistical environments at OCBE and the Department of Research at the Cancer Registry of Norway (Norwegian Institute of Public Health). The project team is comprised of national and international collaborators with complementary strengths, including experts in melanoma biology, epidemiology, medicine (diagnostic and treatment), and biostatistics. In case of any queries related to this position, please contact the main supervisor, Reza Ghiasvand, at reza.ghiasvand at medisin.uio.no.

Duties and responsibilities

• Combine and organize large datasets, data management and apply statistical models that are applicable to the project.
• Write 3 scientific papers under the guidance of the main supervisor and the project team.
• The candidate is expected to proactively acquire theoretical knowledge and programming abilities as necessary for the project's requirements.
• The candidate must, in conjunction with the supervisor, develop a detailed analysis plan within 3 months of being hired, which will be included in the application for admission to the doctoral program.
  
  Evaluation of the candidates:
  In assessing applications, particular emphasis will be placed upon the academic and personal ability of the candidate to complete the project within the given timeframe. Interviews with selected candidates will be arranged via video conference or in person. In accordance with the University of Oslo’s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity.
  
  The application must include (either written in English or Norwegian):
  Application letter describing the applicant’s motivation and qualifications for this position.
  CV summarizing education, positions, and academic work, including scientific publications.
  Copies of educational certificates and transcript of records.
  Letters of recommendation or names and contact details of 2–3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number).

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in biostatistics, epidemiology, biomedical sciences, or within a related field.
  
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
  
• Good skills in statistical software such as Stata or R.
  
• Knowledge of survival analysis and multistate modelling is an advantage, but not strictly required.

Personal qualities

• Have the ability to collaborate across different professional environments
  Thrives in working in a large and complex organization
• Have the ability to work in a systematic and structured way
  
• Have high level of motivation and enthusiasm for scientific work and problem solving
  
• Have the ability to work efficiently and independently
  
• Have good collaborative skills, and strong interpersonal skills
  

We can offer

• A workplace characterized by trust, openness and respect
  
• A safe workplace with good colleague support
  
• A journey towards a new and modern hospital
  
• As a new employee of OUS, you will be part of a welcome program
  
• You become part of an important social mission
  
• A welcoming, professional, stimulating, and international working environment
  
• A unique department with multiple opportunities to develop research skills at the forefront of modern biostatistics, epidemiology, and cancer research
  
• Good opportunities for professional and personal development
  
• Access to exclusive data and research questions that have the potential to be published in prestigious journals and make a significant impact in clinical settings
  
• Opportunities to collaborate with top-tier researchers nationally and internationally
  
• Becoming part of a meaningful mission to improve the lives of cancer patients
  
• A reliable pension agreement, full health insurance and very attractive welfare benefits of the Norwegian state
  
• Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
  
• Salary is determined individually, depending on qualifications and experience