PhD student in Molecular Epidemiology - 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 900 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

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 The department has an opening for one position as a PhD student in the Molecular Epidemiology Unit, led by Prof Tove Fall. Our research focuses on causes and consequences of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, identification of predictive biomarkers and lifestyle factors, and novel methods in disease surveillance. The group includes several members with extensive experience in advanced statistical, epidemiological and bioinformatics methods. Our group consists of 12 researchers, PhD students, a bioinformatician, statistician and coordinator, and we are located within the Epidemiology Hub at Dag Hammarskjölds väg 14 (“EpiHubben”), where about 40 active epidemiologists, statisticians and other PhD students have their work place, enabling collaboration and support in a unique environment.

Additional information about the Molecular Epidemiology and recent publications can be found via

https:// www.medsci.uu.se/research/molecular-epidemiology/

and information about Epihubben via

https://www.surgsci.uu.se/Forskning/forskningsomraden/Medicinsk_epidemiologi/epihubben

Duties
A doctoral position with a focus on the effects of alcohol consumption on cardiovascular health. The project aims to clarify whether alcohol intake-CVD association is being mediated by the gut microbiota and the circulating metabolome, using the SCAPIS (https://www.scapis.org/) Uppsala and Malmö sub-cohorts. This inter-disciplinary project will contribute to our biological and clinical understanding of the mechanisms driving CVD in individuals with both low and high alcohol intake. Through the use of data related to genetic variation, metabolomics, gut microbiota sequencing and alcohol intake and cardiovascular risk factors and disease, the current project will likely lead to the identification of biomarkers that predict response to alcohol intake.

The PhD project involves statistical analyses and molecular epidemiology approaches. All data have either been generated or are already available. The position includes planning and performing of statistical analyses under supervision, presenting research at meetings/conferences, writing manuscripts and thesis. The PhD program comprises four years of full-time studies.

The PhD student will be able to develop their skills through courses and also in collaboration with other group members. The proposed PhD work, which is funded by Swedish Research Council, is led by Dr Shafqat Ahmad (Principal Investigator). Note that no laboratory work is planned within the project.

Requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with an interest in epidemiology using large-scale epidemiological and molecular phenotyping data.

The applicant must have a Master´s degree or has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits were awarded at the advanced level. The applicant must have basic education at University level in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health, Global Health, Bioinformatics, Medicine, Biology, Biomedicine or other Epidemiology or Medical Sciences related field or otherwise fulfill basic eligibility for education at research level in one of these subject areas. Proficiency in written and oral English is a requirement. Personal qualities, such as drive, have a responsible attitude, a logical mind-set, and ability to interact with international researchers in a diverse environment are very important.

Additional qualifications
Prior research experience of working with molecular/nutritional/genetic epidemiology (MSc or BSc thesis) is desirable. Knowledge in STATA and/or R programming will be helpful, as well as working in a UNIX environment. Previous coursework in Epidemiology and Biostatistics are helpful. Previous publications in international peer-reviewed journals are also a merit.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University’s rules and guidelines are mentioned here https://www.teknat.uu.se/education/doctoral-studies/rules-regulations/.

Instruction for application
The application should be written in English and should contain:

1. a) The application must contain a curriculum vitae as well as any previous project papers and scientific publications.
2. b) The curriculum vitae must also contain contact information for two reference persons (names, e-mail addresses).
3. c) The application must also contain a personal letter, with a brief description of yourself, your motivation for applying for the position, your competence and suitability for the position.
4. d) Copies of diplomas and certificates

Applications will be assessed according to eligibility, previous experience and individual suitability. Information on postgraduate education, application procedure and rules for admission is available via: https://mp.uu.se/en/web/info/forska/forskarutbildning/medicin-och-farmaci/

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment: 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position please contact:

Dr Shafqat Ahmad (shafqat.ahmad@medsci.uu.se).

Please submit your application by March 22th 2023, UFV-PA 2023/99.

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