Postdoctoral Fellow in Genetic Epidemiology, focusing on maternal and child health

Postdoctoral Fellow in Genetic Epidemiology, focusing on maternal and child health

NTNU, Norway's largest technical and natural science university, is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in Genetic Epidemiology with a focus on maternal and child health. This is a 50% position for six years, funded by Samarbeidsorganet (Central Norway Regional Health Authority / NTNU), and based in Trondheim.

About the position

The Postdoctoral Fellow will join the Genetic Epidemiology group at the HUNT Center for Molecular and Clinical Epidemiology (HUNT MCE). The role involves conducting population- and family-based genetic epidemiology analyses, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and applying causal inference methods such as Mendelian randomization to maternal exposures and child health outcomes.

The position is designed to help build a researcher profile that qualifies for an associate professor role and offers opportunities for career development, collaboration with international partners, and participation in the MR-PREG collaboration.

Duties of the position

• Conduct population- and family-based genetic epidemiology analyses using data from large cohorts such as HUNT, MoBa, UK Biobank, and ALSPAC
• Apply causal inference methods, including Mendelian randomization, to maternal exposures and child health outcomes
• Contribute to the development and refinement of family-based and intergenerational genetic epidemiology methods
• Collaborate with clinical experts to interpret findings and identify relevant exposures and outcomes
• Participate in joint project meetings and collaborative analyses with national and international partners
• Publish in international peer-reviewed journals and contribute to popular science dissemination
• Participate in the Genetic Epidemiology research group at HUNT MCE
• Participate in international activities such as conferences and/or research stays abroad

Required selection criteria

• A PhD (or equivalent) in genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, epidemiology, genetics, biostatistics, or a closely related field
• Documented experience with genetic epidemiology methods, such as GWAS, family-based genetic analysis, or Mendelian randomization
• Excellent spoken and written English, suitable for communication with international academic partners

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience with genetic epidemiology study designs, including family-based or intergenerational genetic analysis
• Experience with Mendelian randomization or other causal inference methods
• Strong programming skills in R and/or experience with statistical genetics software (e.g., PLINK, GCTA, METAL)
• Experience with Linux, high-performance computing, and reproducible workflows
• Experience working with large-scale biobank, cohort, or health registry data
• Previous relevant research experience and publications
• Good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language

Personal characteristics

To succeed in this position, it is important that you:

• Communicate clearly and convincingly, both in writing and orally, to scientific and non-scientific audiences
• Work in a structured way, set goals, make plans, and deliver on agreed deadlines, both independently and in a team
• Present and discuss your research with other professionals and contribute constructively with feedback
• Analyse data, assess different perspectives, and draw well-founded conclusions
• Show curiosity, strong motivation for the subject, and potential as a researcher

We offer

• An exciting job with an important social mission
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Career guidance and a career plan tailored to your skills and knowledge
• An open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• A mentor programme for new employees
• Favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

As a Postdoctoral Fellow at NTNU, you will have access to a range of employee benefits.

Contact

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate professor Ben Brumpton, email: Ben.brumpton@ntnu.no.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Rebecca Hembre Storli, email: rebecca.h.storli@ntnu.no.