Applications are invited for a 3-year position as a Postdoctoral Fellow in molecular epidemiology to be based at the Cancer Registry of Norway, Department of Research, Section of Molecular Epidemiology and Infections. Cancer Registry is now a part of Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

The Department of Research has 16 researchers, 9 Postdoctoral Fellows, and 6 PhD students, making up a group of more than 30 scientists, supplemented by a Research Support Section. There are on-going research activities at the Cancer Registry, covering a broad spectrum of aetiology, biomolecular topics, as well as projects in the field of screening, early detection, and prognosis of cancer patients. Our epidemiological studies rely on individual information on cancer diagnoses based on data from the Cancer Registry, which covers > 5 decades of national cancer registration, combined with external data sources or cohorts, such as historical Janus Serum Biobank.

The Cancer Registry of Norway is one of the oldest cancer registries in the world with complete nationwide cancer registration since the 1950s. In addition, the institute hosts eight nationwide clinical registries with extensive information on clinical and pathological aspects covering some of the main cancers sites. The registry administers the national cancer screening programs for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer. Collection of Patient Reported Outcome and Experience Measures (PROMs and PREMs) has recently started for major cancers. Together with data from other registries, questionnaires, cohorts and biobanks, we conduct a wide range of studies, from observational to clinical interventions.

More about the position
The position is part of a project directed towards assessing health effects from exposure to Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in general population. The project uses historical samples from the population-based Janus Serum Bank at the cancer Registry, to explore the relationship between kidney and testicular cancer and exposure to 25 different PFAS. The project is awarded a grant from the Norwegian Cancer Society, and it is led by PI Dr Marcin W. Wojewodzic and supported by Drs Hilde Langseth, Dorte Herzke, Trude E. Robsahm, Line Småstuen Haug, Tom K. Grimsrud, MD and Trine Husøy in addition to skilled research support group. We also signed collaborations agreements with national and international collaborators at the University of Bergen, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, and U.S. Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, USA.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will work with assessment of exposure-related risks of urological cancer in general population, with a focus on kidney cancer and testicular cancer, according to historical exposures measured from Janus serum samples. Controls and cases will be annotated to occupations and geographical proxy to deliver highlights of exposure. Also, longitudinal samples from some individual patients will be available to access dynamic of PFAS.

The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to take an active lead in assessing PFAS exposure. The Fellow will stay in close contact with the project’s reference group and all team members. The studies among residents will rely on statistics on cancer incidence and demography of the populations.

Kvalifikasjoner:

Candidates must

• hold a PhD* in modern epidemiology or systems biology, preferably related to cancer caused by occupational and/or environmental exposure.
• have insight into common and serious pitfalls and biases that may influence risk estimates in follow-up studies.
• have documented programming skills, preferably with R or Stata.
• have a documented academic track record, evidenced by successful publishing in scientific journals.
• be fluent in English and in a Scandinavian language, and they must demonstrate strong written/verbal communication skills.

Candidates should

• have experience with advanced statistical analyses and causal inference reasoning, applied on aetiology and exposure-related carcinogenic effects.

We are looking for candidates with insight and experience in use of cancer registry data, preferably from research on cancer risk according to historical occupational and/or environmental exposures. Candidates with expertise of molecular epidemiology, handling multi-dimensional data, are encouraged to apply.

*For applicants who have yet to receive their PhD degree, the PhD dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation before the application deadline. Such applicants should note the date of submission of their PhD in the cover letter. Appointment is dependent on successful completion of the public defence of the doctoral thesis. 

Personlige egenskaper:

• Candidates should be able to document experience in critical thinking, independent work, and communication with scientists and stakeholders in related fields at a high level.
• We expect the successful candidate to show initiative and take a lead role in the work tasks pertaining to the position.
  

Vi tilbyr:

• Salary to be agreed depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctor (position code 1352)
• Dedicated supervision and mentoring
• Very good work environment with highly qualified multidisciplinary teams
• A formalized career development plan for Postdoctoral Fellow and possibilities for developing new skills in systems biology field
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement (Statens pensjonskasse), in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

The application must include

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest); CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications
• Up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered
• List of reference persons: 2–3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail/ telephone)
  

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system Webcruiter. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language). In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications as well as the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best-qualified candidates will be arranged.