About this role
This is NTNU NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim. At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world. You can find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here . Video: https://youtu.be/Xt-yHCN5QS0 About the position The position is part of the research project “Prediction of genetic values and adaptive potential in the wild (GPWILD)” ( https://www.ntnu.no/gjaerevoll/gpwild ), funded through a Consolidator Grant by the European Research Council (ERC). A major goal of the project is to develop cutting-edge statistical methodology to analyse and make predictions from large-scale genomic data, which is currently generated for many wild animal populations. To this end, the project combines modern statistical methodology and builds on the current state-of-the art in animal breeding, human genomics, ecology and evolutionary biology. The post-doc will thus work with a cross-disciplinary team of researchers and can contribute towards the development of methods that will make an impact to better understand evolution and the robustness of wild anmial populations, with the ultimate goal to help preserving biodiversity. The post-doc will work at NTNU in Trondheim, and the fellowship will be hosted by the Department of Mathematical Sciences ( https://www.ntnu.edu/imf ). The project is a close collaboration with evolutionary ecologists from the Department of Biology ( https://www.ntnu.edu/biology ) and the Gjærevoll Centre (https://www.ntnu.edu/gjaerevoll) at NTNU, as well as with international researchers in the field. The successful applicant will be offered a 3,5 year position, including 6 months for career enhancing work. Duties of the position Develop and implement new efficient and accurate statistical methods for genomic prediction, as well as for the decomposition of phenotypic variance into components relevant for evolutionary processes. This is done using genomic data from wild animal populations. Use the new methods to derive insight into evolutionary processes of the study systems of our collaborators. Core components of the research involve, among others, Bayesian hierarchical modelling, shrinkage methods, machine learning (ML) or dimension reduction approaches, generalized linear mixed modeling, and performing simulations using specialized statistical programming tools. Writing and publishing papers in international, peer-reviewed journals. An important part of the project is collaboration with evolutionary biologists, mostly at NTNU, but also internationally. The post-doc is therefore expected to maintain and nourish these collaborations, as well as disseminate their statistical research to a broader scientific audience. Participate in international activities such as conferences and/or research stays at foreign educational institutions. Teaching and other career enhancing duties such as mentoring PhD and Master students. The cadidate is expected to show a high level of initiative, motivation and independence for research and writing. Required selection criteria You must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian PhD in Statistics or equivalent. If you are in the final phase of your doctorate and can document that the thesis has been submitted or that the defense date has been confirmed, your application can be considered even if you have not defended. NOTE: Documentation of the obtained doctorate must be presented before you can take up the position. Keen interest in ecological statistics and cross-disciplinary scientific research. Solid background in statistical modelling. Experience with the use of large datasets. Strong skills in computer programming and computational statistics. Very good oral and written skills in English. Strong academic background documented with publications in international peer-reviewed journals. PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”. If you do not already have educational competence that meets the requirements for a position as associate professor in Norway, NTNU will arrange for you to acquire such competence during the employment period. In such cases, you will also be assigned relevant teaching as part of the career-promoting work. The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions and for general criteria for the position. Preferred selection criteria Knowledge and experience with statistical analysis of genomic data. Documented background in evolutionary ecology, genomics and/or quantiative genetics, for example from courses or the PhD. Experience with teaching. High level of motivation. Personal characteristics Ambitions to deliver high-quality research. Willingness to learn new fields of research in a multidisciplinary research environment. Excellent communication skills. Drive to communicate and convey new research results to biologists. Excellent writing skills, capable of synthesizing and expressing complex ideas clearly. Self-motivated, resilient, resourceful, result-oriented, and independent. Curiosity and strong motivation for the subject. Structured work mode, able to set goals and make plans to achieve them. Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities. We offer An exciting job with an important social mission . Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment. Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues. Favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund . Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2) . As a Postdoctoral Fellow at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits . Diversity Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the d