Bioinformatician in Rheumatology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Medical Sciences is a large clinical institution with more than 250 employees and over 300 additional coworkers connected via the Uppsala University Hospital. The Department of Medical Sciences has a broad research profile with strong research groups in a number of different areas. The research carried out at the department is performed in close connection with the clinical activities at the Uppsala University Hospital, which includes both basic studies on the causes of a variety of illnesses and the development and evaluation of improved diagnostics and new treatment methods. More information about the Department of Medical Sciences can be found at www.medsci.uu.se.

A position as bioinformatician is available in the research group for Rheumatology/systemic autoimmunity at the Department of Medical Sciences. The group studies inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren’s syndrome, which are caused by the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues. We perform translational research with molecular, genetic and cellular tools with the aim to understand the underlying mechanisms behind the diseases. Our final goal is to aid in the development of new and effective treatments. We collaborate on both the national and international level with clinicians and researchers, as well as the pharmaceutical industry.

As a bioinformatician in the Rheumatology group you would be directly involved in the analytical part of our projects, participate in planning our studies and the work towards publication. Our research group offers a flexible working environment and good opportunities for further competence development. For more information about the research group, please see: http://www.medsci.uu.se/forskning/reumatologi/.

Duties: To perform bioinformatic and statistical analyses of data generated within the research projects in the Rheumatology group, and to stay up-to-date on and apply novel data analysis tools and statistical techniques. The projects involve analysis of several types of “omics” data: genetic (DNA sequences and genotypes), DNA methylation, bulk and single cell RNA expression and proteomics. Duties include planning, developing and performing statistical and bioinformatics analyses, participation in smaller analysis teams, compilation and presentation of data, contributing to writing and publication of scientific articles. Administrative tasks with data handling solutions/servers will also be required. Visits to our collaborators in and outside of Sweden can occur, and possibilities to attend courses and conferences.

Qualifications and requirements: Master’s degree in data science, bioinformatics, molecular biotechnology or related areas relevant for the duties, alternatively a PhD in molecular epidemiology, medical genetics, bioinformatics, biostatistics or similar. Demonstrated strong ability to work in teams. Good knowledge of statistics and usage of software for statistical programming (e.g. R). Good computer programming skills in higher level languages (e.g. Python) and experience of working in a Linux environment. Documented experience of large-scale molecular data analysis, e.g. of sequencing or SNP data. Demonstrated strong writing and verbal communication skills in English and experience in applying standard principles of reproducible research and adherence to the FAIR principles for research data.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability for the position, in particular the ability to collaborate with researchers, clinicians and other bioinformaticians. We are looking for candidates with the ability to solve tasks independently and assume responsibility for their duties.

Additional skills: Experience with integrating different large scale “omics” data sets. Experience with utilising a high performance computing cluster for data analysis (e.g. UPPMAX). Experience with using analysis pipeline tools (e.g. Snakemake or Nextflow) and version control systems (e.g. Git). Experience with managing linux servers. An understanding of, and ability to handle, data security aspects relating to patient data and genetic information. Basic writing and verbal communication skills in Swedish would be an advantage.

Application procedure: Please include a covering letter in the application describing motives for applying for the position and relevant qualifications. A CV with copies of degree certificates/diplomas, publication list (if available), and additional documents such as contact information of referees should be included. Please also include information on when you would be available to take up the position.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: As soon as possible.

Type of employment: Permanent position with probationary period.

Scope of employment: 100%.

For further information about the position please contact: Professor Lars Rönnblom (lars.ronnblom@medsci.uu.se), bioinformatician Pascal Pucholt (pascal.pucholt@medsci.uu.se).

Please submit your application by 29 April 2021, UFV-PA 2021/1281.