This is a unique opportunity to join a highly productive and innovative research team at the forefront of precision nutrition research. You will have the chance to develop cutting-edge skills in multi-omics data analysis and contribute to advancing our understanding of the inter-individual heterogeneity in molecular cardiometabolic risk determinants.
Project description
The purpose of this project is to advance our understanding of cardiometabolic risk and develop precise and tailored prevention strategies. We will accomplish this by clustering multi-layer omics data to identify distinct cardiometabolic risk types and develop multi-biomarker panels for each type.
In addition, we will connect these multi-omics signatures of cardiometabolic risk types to medical imaging assessment of pre-clinical tissue anomalies and future risk of cardiometabolic disease incidence and mortality. Our central data sources are the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study (SCAPIS) and the Swedish Infrastructure for Medical Population-Based Life-Course and Environmental Research (SIMPLER).
Our ultimate goal is to provide complex biomarker panels that precisely quantify an individual’s pathway vulnerability, enabling tailored cardiometabolic disease prevention. By leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques and data sources, this project has the potential to provide novel insights into cardiometabolic disease etiology and inform innovative precision prevention approaches.
Our research group operates under the auspices of the Wallenberg Data-Driven Life Science program (DDLS). The DDLS promotes precision health research by developing and implementing cutting-edge data science methods, providing powerful multi-omics platforms and high-performance computing infrastructure, and spearheading a focused recruitment and education initiative across leading Swedish universities. In addition to the excellent scientific, educational, and networking opportunities available at Chalmers, the successful applicant will benefit from the unique training and research support offered by the DDLS. Furthermore, international collaboration partners, such as the Harvard School of Public Health, the German Institute of Human Nutrition, and the PREDIMED trial, are relevant to this project.
At the Department of Life Sciences (LIFE) we explore how biological systems and innovative technologies can be used to convert biomass into foods, pharmaceuticals, materials, chemicals and fuels. We develop and apply advanced experimental and computational technologies to discover how biomolecules, living cells and organisms function and interact. We pioneer new methods for the prediction, prevention, diagnostics and treatment of diseases.
The division of Food and Nutrition Science (FNS) is one of four research divisions at LIFE. FNS addresses major societal challenges related to sustainable food production, nutrition and health. We conduct fundamental and applied research, innovation, education and dissemination in Food and Nutrition Science with the aim to provide new knowledge and solutions that pave the way for a sustainable planet and healthy humans. Research topics span from food chemistry and food technology to molecular and data- driven nutrition (Precision Nutrition).
Major responsibilities
The position requires managing several scientific projects simultaneously with increasing independence. The ideal candidate must possess critical skills, including teamwork, autonomy, and a strong drive to conduct high-impact research in the precision health area. We expect at least four peer-reviewed publications (two published) to qualify for the doctoral degree. The successful candidate is expected to complement her or his strong educational background with selected formal training in biomedicine and scientific methods relevant to the project. Any involvement in departmental teaching activities will be translated into a time-equivalent extension of the full-time contract with full benefits.
Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master’s level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field. You should have prior experience working with human data in a biomedical research context. Additionally, a solid background in biostatistics and data sciences, a thorough understanding of biomedicine, and practical experience with bioinformatics research, preferably -omics data analyses, are essential. Experience in working with biomedical imaging data is highly beneficial. While we prefer candidates with experience in all these areas, we are open to considering those with strengths in one or two and the willingness to learn and develop in the others. Evidence of hands-on experience with a statistical programing language (e.g., R or Python) and the ability to quickly develop programming proficiency are required.
We value clear and effective communication as it is essential to effectively collaborate with a diverse team and present research findings to various stakeholders. The position requires the ability to quickly develop professional scientific writing and oral communication skills in English.
Contract terms
The successful applicant will be provided with a fixed-term 4-year contract with comprehensive benefits.
We offerChalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.
Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230328 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.
Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus
Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.
Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
Application deadline: 2023-06-07
For questions, please contact:
Clemens Wittenbecher, Assistant Professor at Food and Nutrition Science
Email: clemens.wittenbecher@chalmers.se
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!
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