"Three-year postdoc position in Statistics at the Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology"

Postdoctoral Fellow in Statistics

Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo (UiO)

Fixed term, 3 years | Full-time | Application deadline: 13 June 2025

Location: Domus Medica, Sognsvannsveien 9, Oslo, Norway

About the Position and Research Group

The OCBE invites applications for a 3-year postdoctoral position within the research group on Statistical Models for High-dimensional and Functional Data, led by Associate Professor Valeria Vitelli. The successful candidate will focus on Bayesian models for unsupervised learning integrating multiple data sources, primarily molecular cancer genomics data.

This position is part of the BRIDGE project — "Bayesian Rank-based unsupervised Integration of multi-source Data in cancer Genomics and the digital Economy" — funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) under the “Researcher Project for Scientific Renewal” scheme. The project involves close collaboration with the SFF Integreat centre for knowledge-driven machine learning, and the Epigenomics of Breast Cancer group at Oslo University Hospital.

OCBE is a leading biostatistics environment in Europe, with over 70 researchers working on areas such as high-dimensional statistics, Bayesian inference, machine learning, causal inference, and biomedical applications.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and apply Bayesian models for unsupervised learning with multiple data sources, focusing on rank-based models in molecular cancer genomics.
• Address computational and methodological challenges including scalability and reproducibility.
• Collaborate within the BRIDGE project team and the wider high-dimensional statistics group.
• Develop and implement statistical methods, conduct data analysis, prepare manuscripts, and disseminate research findings.
• Engage in open and reproducible research practices.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in biostatistics, statistics, machine learning, mathematics, data science, computer science, or related fields. Doctoral thesis must be submitted by the application deadline; appointment depends on successful defense.
• Strong quantitative and computational skills; proficiency in R, Python, or equivalent software.
• Background in Bayesian methods or statistical learning for molecular data preferred.
• Experience in unsupervised learning, rank-based modeling, or preference learning is an advantage.
• Experience managing and analyzing large datasets, and biomedical applications, is beneficial.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work well in interdisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory.

More information on English requirements for non-EU/EEA applicants:

UiO English proficiency regulations

We Offer

• Competitive salary range NOK 579,700 – 615,700 (postdoctoral fellow, code 1352), with 2% statutory pension deduction.
• Supportive, international, and stimulating research environment.
• Relocation assistance and dedicated international office for newcomers.
• Opportunities for meaningful and societally relevant research.
• 1.5 hours/week of paid exercise time and access to campus sports facilities.
• Strong career development opportunities and access to a global network of collaborators.
• Comprehensive welfare benefits, including public health service access and a generous pension scheme.
• Family-friendly Oslo environment with rich cultural and outdoor activities.

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Oslo values inclusion and diversity as strengths and strives for gender balance and diverse expertise in its workforce. Applicants with disabilities, employment gaps, or immigrant backgrounds will be considered with special attention.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted via Jobbnorge: Apply here.

Required documents:

• Cover letter (motivation and research interests)
• CV (education, positions, publications)
• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree diplomas and transcripts
• Documentation of English proficiency (if applicable)
• Complete list of publications and academic works for evaluation
• Contact details for 3 references (name, relation, email, phone)
• Description of relevant experience and training
• Documentation of experience with statistical software and data analysis
• Description of biomedical applications experience

Please retrieve your education transcripts from Vitnemålsportalen.no, or upload copies if not available electronically. All documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Additional Information

• Top candidates will be invited for interviews.
• Applicant lists may be public under the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25; exemption requests are possible.
• Appointment is subject to approval of the doctoral defense.
• The position adheres to relevant UiO and national regulations for research posts and PhD degrees.

About University of Oslo & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences

UiO is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked university with 26,500 students and 7,200 employees. The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences promotes medical knowledge to understand health and disease, supporting professional education in medicine and clinical nutrition. It employs over 300 staff and is located at Domus Medica.

Contact

Valeria Vitelli

Phone: +47 22 85 10 11

Email: valeriv@uio.no