4 PhD position in informatics (computational biology), Norway

In particular detailed descriptions of the projects being offered can be found on the Projects Page under the “UiO Projects” section. Each project will require slightly different expertise and experience, but all are within the scope of computational biology and medicine. Thus, IFI/UiO is seeking motivated and independent students from a wide range of training backgrounds, but particularly with a strong working knowledge in computational and quantitative disciplines, to take up these doctoral fellowships.

The duration of SUURPh doctoral fellowships will be 3 years, and the time of initiation will vary depending on the project but can be as early as September 1st 2015. All SUURPh fellows will be enrolled as PhD students at the University of Oslo Mathematics and Natural Sciences Faculty.

As a SUURPh fellow  you will work closely with your primary SUURPh supervisors in Oslo and at UCSD, and undertake coursework and training related to computational biology and medicine. In some cases the tasks of SUURPh fellows may involve some experimental procedures, but the majority of work will be focused on computational approaches to major questions in biology and medicine. As such, development of mathematical and computational techniques for analysing and reducing complex experimental data will be a common application for SUURPh fellows, as will be development of complex and sometimes large numerical simulations of biological or medical systems.

An unique feature of the SUURPh programme is that SUURPh fellows will be required to conduct a portion of their doctoral research in San Diego. As such, all applicants should be prepared and eager to spend a portion of their degree (generally 6 months – 1 year) at UCSD.

As mentioned above, the breadth of the SUURPh scope allows students of many training backgrounds to be excellent candidates for these fellowships. However, because the all projects are computational in their nature it is strongly recommended that applicants have a working background in programming and the mathematical/quantitative sciences. Beyond these general recommendations, the following requirements apply:

• Completion of Masters in an appropriate field for the project/s of interest
• Suitable academic performance in Masters and undergraduate coursework (academic records are required)
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills are an advantage
• Experience in developing software or analysis tools for biological or medical applications is an advantage
• Good knowledge of the scientific field addressed by the project/s of interest is desirable
• Good communication and interpersonal skills are necessary

We offer

• An engaging and interactive working environment with highly competent and motivated  researchers
• High-standard facilities and offices

Salary:

Pay grade: 50 – 57 (NOK 429 700 – 482 800 per year)

Application requirements:

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

To apply for one of the SUURPh doctoral fellowships hosted at UiO you will need to select at least one of the projects that has been proposed by UiO-based investigators for this programme. Detailed project descriptions are provided here, and each applicant is permitted to select up to 3 (total between UiO and Simula) projects to which they would like to apply. In this portal you are only applying for the UiO projects, a similar application portal for Simula projects can be found here.

• A cover letter summarizing the candidate’s background, and listing (in ranked order) all SUURPh projects (both UiO and Simula) to which the candidate will apply.
• Curriculum vitae, listing contact information, education, prior research experience and specific research project involvement, and any publication of conference contributions or scientific papers.
• Copies of relevant diplomas or graduation certificates.
• Letters of reference, and contact information (name, current position, relation to the candidate, phone and e-mail) for up to 3 academic and research-oriented referees.
• A good command of English is required

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see:

Applying and being admitted to a PhD programme

Research education: The PhD programme

Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

UiO has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

In accordance with the University of Oslo’s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity.

We seek to maintain strong representation of international and female researchers, which makes for a dynamic and well-balanced environment. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.