Post-doc position in computational and systems biology

In the Department of Chemical Toxicology, Division of Climate and Environment we have an open 3 year Postdoc Fellow position within computational toxicology and systems biology (transcriptomics data ) and development of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOP). The overall aim is to advance the Developmental Neurotoxicity – in vitro battery (DNT-IVB) intended for Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) of chemicals. The position is available from October 2024.

Our department is focusing on the prevention of non-communicable diseases caused by chemicals. We are actively working on the development of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). We are particularly interested in prevention of harmful effects of chemicals on the developing brain. The Department was awarded two EU projects from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and has international partners on board. In the BrainHealth project, NIPH is coordinating a research consortium. In the DNT-RAP4 project NIPH is a co-lead.

Overall objective is to improve the existing DNT-IVB by closing gaps related to glia cell presence and function in relation to processes vital for normal brain development. This will be supported by transcriptomics analysis, AOP development and systematic data bases searches.

In the BrainHealth and the DNT-RAP4 projects the wet laboratory work (including transcriptomics) will be performed by other researchers in our group or by other partners in the consortia and supported with your expertise. In the DNT-RAP4 project, development of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOP) and Integrated Approaches for Assessment and Testing (IATA) are the deliverables, and you will contribute in both the biostatistical analysis of the sequencing data and in systematic literature reviews in order to build AOPs.

Task description

• Bioinformatic analysis of data sets generated by bulk and single-cell transcriptomics on high performance computers
  
• Explore data bases and literature to develop AOPs
• Support development of AOP-informed Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA)
• Conduct and report systematic literature review, including study selection, critical evidence appraisal and data extraction
• Publish scientific papers, project reports and present results at scientific meetings
• Assist the project leader(s)/team with project coordination and reporting scientific progress to EFSA
• Participate in project meetings
• Guidance of students that are involved in the projects
  

Qualifications

• Completed and defended a PhD in an area relevant for these projects
• Hands-on experience with relevant bioinformatics and biostatistics methods for high-dimensional datasets
• Good biostatistical skills (in R and Python)and experience with the analysis of large data sets on high performance computers (bash, nf-core, pipelines)
• Knowledge of systems biology approaches, such as network and graph theory are preferred
• Interested in AOP and IATA development and preferably have some earlier experience in this area
• Experience demonstrated with publications in international peer-reviewed journals (please upload a publication list in web recruiter together with your application)
• Experience with working according to FAIR principles
• Excellent knowledge of oral and written English. Willingness to learn Norwegian since Norwegian is the working language at the institute
  

Personal qualifications

• Can work independently and in a team
• Excellent collaboration skills
• Positive attitude, solution and result orientated
• Structured work approach
• Personal suitability will be specifically rated during the selection process
  

We offer

• An interesting position in a multidisciplinary and engaged research group where main stake holders in Europe are involved
• Postdoctoral development plan to boost your career. Opportunity to contribute to NAMs development with cutting-edge science
• Salary according to qualifications and state regulations
• Pension scheme in the government pension fund
• Flexible working hours and some home office benefits