BEMÆRK: Ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Are you interested in taking our research in the genetics of seizures to the next level?
You will join our international genetic research group, the Feenstra Lab, and contribute to our more than 10-year track record of high-quality genetic research with a particular focus on selected childhood diseases and pregnancy-related traits and outcomes.
Our group (https://feenstralab.github.io/) is affiliated to the Biobank Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, and also to Statens Serum Institut, home of the Danish National Biobank. This set-up provides great opportunities to perform research in large, continuously growing genetic cohorts with colleagues from both institutions, who cover a diversity of backgrounds from basic natural sciences over medical research to bioinformatics.
The project
Febrile seizures represent the most common type of pathological brain activity in young children, and still there is much to learn about underlying genetic, developmental and environmental factors. Our group has carried out the world’s largest genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of febrile seizures. Together with international collaborators, we have identified robust GWAS associations in central fever response genes as well as genes affecting neuronal excitability, including several known epilepsy genes.
The next stage of our febrile seizures research will have a specific focus on the relationship with epilepsy later in life. In total, there will be GWAS data on more than 12000 cases with febrile seizures, with ~1500 of them developing epilepsy later in life. The data will be analyzed together with a GWAS of epilepsy comprising more than 5000 cases. Our aims are: (1) Discover new genetic associations for febrile seizures; (2) Integrate the epilepsy GWAS data to characterize genetics of seizures with and without fever; (3) Correlate GWAS results with functionally relevant data to illuminate molecular mechanisms; and (4) Generate risk prediction models for later epilepsy given febrile seizures based on longitudinal health register data with more than 25 years of follow-up.
You will be responsible for driving forward scientific studies addressing these aims, including GWAS analysis and follow-up analyses incorporating publicly available ‘omics data, interpretation of the results and publishing the results in high-impact scientific journals as well as presenting the findings at conferences and collaborative meetings. The project will be done in collaboration with other members of our group and supervised by Dr. Bjarke Feenstra, leader of the genetic epidemiology group. We will regularly discuss findings with collaborating research groups in Denmark, Norway, and Australia, to receive feedback on our plans and develop new ideas.
Apart from the specific project, you will have the opportunity to work with other large data collections and to develop new research ideas. The position also involves writing applications for additional funding and contributing to the supervision of master’s and PhD students.
The research environment
You will join the Biobank Unit at Copenhagen University Hospital, which is led by Professor Sisse Ostrowski and Dr. Erik Sørensen and is home to the largest genetic cohorts in Denmark – including the Copenhagen Hospital Biobank (CHB) cohort and the Danish Blood Donor Study (DBDS) cohort. Total sample sizes are almost 500,000 individuals with array genotypes (Illumina GSA) and extensive register and questionnaire data. Analysis of data (genetics, biomarkers, registers, and questionnaires) is conducted in a private cloud setup at the national supercomputer, Computerome.
You will also be affiliated to Statens Serum Institut and the project involves close collaboration with colleagues there. Statens Serum Institut is home to the Danish National Biobank and has a strong track-record of biomedical research based on information from Denmark’s comprehensive, nationwide health registers combined with omics analyses of biobank samples.
The Biobank Unit and Statens Serum Institut are both located close to the center of Copenhagen, consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world.
Qualifications
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic researcher with a strong scientific mindset and the following qualifications:
- A PhD or equivalent degree in genetics, genetic epidemiology, medical genetics, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field
- A track record of publications in high-quality, peer-reviewed scientific journals
- Experience in conducting studies based on large-scale ‘omics’ data
- Strong statistical and data skills
- Experience in supervising other researchers at different levels
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken
- Research experience in neuroscience is considered a plus
Terms of employment
The employment as postdoc is a full-time position for 2 years with the possibility of extension if further funding is secured. Starting date is November 1, 2023, or after agreement.
Salary, pension, and terms of employment will be in accordance with the current agreement in The Capital Region of Denmark. Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated.
Salaries are aligned with Danish costs of living and foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.
The work will take place at the Copenhagen Hospital Biobank Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, located centrally in Copenhagen, close to the medical and science campuses of the University of Copenhagen.
Application procedure
Your application must be submitted electronically through the link in the posting.
Your application must include the following documents:
1. A cover letter expressing the motivation for applying and qualifications in relation to the position.
2. Curriculum vitae, incl. education and experience
3. Copy of diplomas/degree certificate(s)
4. List of publications
5. References (name and contact details of at least two references)
Application deadline: 7 September 2023
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
Copenhagen University Hospital wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.
For further information about the position, please contact:
Senior researcher, group leader Bjarke Feenstra
Email: bjarke.feenstra@regionh.dk
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Gentofte Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 07-09-2023; - ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Ved skriftlig henvendelse: https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=342&ProjectId=250847&DepartmentId=17147&MediaId=4710&SkipAdvertisement=true
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/5882990
