Ref PAR 2023/595
The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.
As part of a national program within Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS), Sahlgrenska Academy (the Faculty of Medicine) at the University of Gothenburg is recruiting a DDLS Fellow within data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics for a tenure track position as an Associate Senior Lecturer. The successful candidate will receive a generous recruitment package.
Within the DDLS program, you can develop your full potential as a leading independent scientist in a flourishing academic environment at Sahlgrenska Academy. You will become part of the local scientific environment and network within the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, WCMTM, and nationally with the DDLS program at SciLifeLab (see more information below). The research environments share infrastructure with access to advanced technologies and analysis tools. Sahlgrenska University Hospital, which is the largest university hospital in Sweden and offers excellent opportunities for translational and clinical research, is located next to the faculty. The University of Gothenburg collaborates with AstraZeneca, where precision medicine is a well-established R&D platform, which aims to identify the right treatment for the right patient. Nearby is also The Faculty of Science which in parallel is recruiting a DDLS Fellow in data-driven epidemiology and biology of infection as well as Chalmers University of Technology, which is recruiting two DDLS Fellows, one in precision medicine and diagnostics and one in cell and molecular biology. Chalmers is a partner in Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) and the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT). For the successful candidate, this offers excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations.
Data-driven life science (DDLS) uses data, computational methods and artificial intelligence to study biological systems and processes at all levels, from molecular structures and cellular processes to human health and global ecosystems. The SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) aims to recruit and train the next-generation of data-driven life scientists and to create globally leading computational and data science capabilities in Sweden. The program is funded with a total of 3.1 billion SEK (about 290 MUSD) over 12 years from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg (KAW) Foundation.
The DDLS program will recruit 39 high-profile young group leaders and launch over 210 postdoctoral positions and establish a research school for 260 PhDs, including industry PhDs and postdocs. Fellows will be recruited to the 11 participating host universities/organizations, but brought together under a national DDLS program coordinated by SciLifeLab. The DDLS program has four strategic areas: cell and molecular biology, evolution and biodiversity, precision medicine and diagnostics, epidemiology and biology of infection. For more information, please see www.scilifelab.se/data-driven.
During 2022-2023, the first round of 20 young group leaders joined us as DDLS Fellows, and now we are looking to recruit an additional group of 19 fellows. Each DDLS Fellow will receive a recruitment package of 17 MSEK (about 1.6 MUSD) for a 5-year period, covering their own salary and other resources, such as two PhD students and postdoc positions. The Fellow positions are tenure-track with the host organizations assuming responsibility of the long-term faculty appointments following a tenure evaluation.
The future of life science is data-driven. Will you be leading that change with us? Then join us in this unique program!
Subject area
Data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics
Subject area description
Data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics covers data integration, analysis, visualization, and data interpretation for patient stratification, discovery of biomarkers for disease risks, diagnosis, drug response and monitoring of health. The precision medicine research is expected to make use of existing strong assets in Sweden and abroad, such as molecular data (e.g. omics), imaging, electronic health care records, longitudinal patient and population registries and biobanks.
The subject area concerns research in the general area of precision medicine and diagnostics, with a strong computational profile. This research subject area aims to lead to innovative development and/or application of novel data-driven methods relying on machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other computational techniques.
Data integration and analysis can be used for patient stratification, for discovery of diagnostic biomarkers and for longitudinal monitoring and follow-up. Precision medicine also depends on capabilities for data interpretation, visualization and clinical decision support. The research is expected to use resources such as electronic health care records, molecular data (e.g. imaging and omics), longitudinal patient and population registries, biobanks and digital monitoring data. The ultimate long-term goal of the research should be to develop precision medicine to tailor the right intervention or treatment to the right person at the right time.
Duties
As the successful candidate, you will initiate a competitive research program, start or further develop an independent line of research within data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics, and actively apply for external funding. You shall actively contribute to cooperation with the Faculty of Science, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, AstraZeneca and Chalmers University of Technology. You shall actively participate in the local meetings and activities within WCMTM and within the DDLS Program, and to cooperate within the established network with the other three Wallenberg Centres of Molecular Medicine (in Lund, Linköping and Umeå) and the SciLifeLab.
The position includes planning and performing teaching in doctoral, master’s and undergraduate programs. Teaching includes lectures, exercises and examinations as well as the supervision of doctoral, medical, master’s and undergraduate students. A successful candidate without university-level teacher training should participate in educational courses for higher education within two years of employment.
Eligibility
Eligibility for employment as an Associate Senior Lecturer is stated in the Higher Education Ordinance and the University of Gothenburg’s Employment Ordinance.
A PhD in a subject area relevant to the position or equivalent scientific competency is a requirement. An applicant with a degree that is judged to be comparable is also eligible. Preference is given to applicants who have been awarded a PhD, a comparable degree or achieved equivalent scientific competency no more than five years before the deadline for application for this employment. Applicants who have obtained a doctorate earlier may also be given primary consideration if there are special reasons. Special reasons include leave of absence due to illness, parental leave or other similar circumstances. The reasons and extent of leave of absence should be clearly specified in the application and confirmed by certificates.
Ability to teach in English or Swedish is a requirement.
Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria for employment as a teacher are stated in the Higher Education Ordinance and the University of Gothenburg’s employment regulations.
Assessment of the applications will be based primarily on scientific merits and secondarily on pedagogical and administrative merits and skills. All aspects will be carefully assessed.
When assessing scientific proficiency, particular emphasis will be placed on the level of independently performed research within data-driven precision medicine, such as the use of computational tools to integrate molecular and clinical data for translational research and diagnostic development, thereby facilitating individualized patient care.
The scientific assessment will be based on publications in leading international journals, where quality and impact are given more weight than total production. Meritorious are candidates with demonstrated success in attracting external funding in competition nationally or internationally, and participation in national and international collaboration projects. Scientific proficiency is also assessed through the scientific quality of the submitted research program and the proven ability to develop and lead research activities with relevance to the present position.
When assessing teaching skills, particular emphasis is placed on well-documented educational experience of planning, performing and leading teaching. Meritorious are documented ability to supervise doctoral, medical, master’s and undergraduate students.
For administrative skills, special emphasis is placed on experience of leadership and experience from collaborative projects.
The overall assessment of the applications will consider proficiency and potential for development, ability to carry out the duties of the position, to cooperate with others, and to contribute to the positive development of the organization.
Candidates with experience from several research environments are desirable, especially postdoctoral fellowships at universities other than the one that awarded the individual’s doctoral degree, as well as candidates who can demonstrate international mobility. Furthermore, at the time of the interview, the applicant’s personal suitability and the plan to start their own research group will weigh heavily in the collective assessment.
Other conditions
The decision regarding the DDLS recruitment package will be determined by the SciLifeLab Board prior to the start of the employment.
The successful candidate is expected to supplement the package with national and international grants. An individual scientific and educational development plan will be determined upon agreement between the individual and the head of host institute.
In Gothenburg, DDLS Fellows will be part of the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine (WCMTM) where 26 research group leaders have been hired in different research fields. WCMTM was established in collaboration with the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the Region Västra Götaland and AstraZeneca as part of a national agenda to further strengthen Sweden’s position within molecular medicine. The Wallenberg Centre is located in Gothenburg, with activities at Sahlgrenska Academy and the Faculty of Science at the University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and AstraZeneca to ensure unique translational research environments at the interface between academia, healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.
Employment
Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, five years
Extent: 100%
Location: Host institute depends on the hired individual’s research profile and personal preferences.
First day of employment: As agreed
A position as Associate Senior Lecturer is a fixed-term position and defined as a career-development position. The purpose of the position is to allow you to develop as an independent researcher and establish scholarly and educational qualifications to fulfill eligibility requirements as a senior lecturer. The position may be renewed, but for a maximum of two years, if due to sickness absence, parental leave or other special reasons, additional time is required to achieve the purpose of the employment.
The requirements to become promoted to senior lecturer at Sahlgrenska Academy:
SWE https://medarbetarportalen.gu.se/digitalAssets/1700/1700868_1643961_bil-2-bed–mningsgrunder-f–r-bef-fr–n-bitr-universitetslektor-till-universitetslektor.pdf
ENG https://medarbetarportalen.gu.se/digitalAssets/1779/1779394_assessment-criteria-for-promotion-from-associate-senior-lecturer-to-senior-lecturer.pdf
Selection process
The selection process will include evaluation by external experts, interviews and oral presentations. The assessment of qualifications and experience will consider parental leave, sick leave or other similar circumstances. The reasons and extent of leave of absence should be specified in the application and supported by a certificate. The candidate will be given the opportunity to meet representatives of the participating institutes at Sahlgrenska Academy (the Faculty of Medicine) to evaluate in which environment the planned research program fits best.
Contact information
J. Gustav Smith, Professor/ Chief Physician at the Sahlgrenska Academy, director of the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine; gustav.smith@wlab.gu.se
Human Resources Officers at the Sahlgrenska Academy; HRSA-kansli@sahlgrenska.gu.se
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande
Application
In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. Applications must follow the layout of the recommendations for the Sahlgrenska Academy for applications for teaching positions.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application. Please note in particular that the following documents must accompany the application:
- Doctoral degree (in Swedish or English)
- A maximum of 10 selected scientific publications that the applicant want to refer to (in full text)
- Other certificates /proof /rating proving applicant’s qualifications
Any documents that are not available in electronic format should be sent in three copies to:
University of Gothenburg
The Sahlgrenska Academy
Box 400
405 30 Göteborg
SWEDEN
The reference number of the application, PAR 2023/595, should be clearly stated when mailing complementary documents.
The application is to be written in English.
In the event of any disagreement between the English and the Swedish versions of any announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.
Applications must be received by: October 15, 2023
Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
In the event of any disagreement between the English and the Swedish versions of any announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.
Salaries are set individually at the University.
In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.
In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.
Apply