1-2 Postdoctoral Researcher in Breast Cancer Epidemiology

The Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics conducts research in epidemiology and biostatistics across a broad range of areas within biomedical science. The department is among the largest of its type in Europe and has especially strong research profiles in psychiatric, cancer, reproductive, pediatric, pharmaco, genetic, and geriatric epidemiology, eating disorders, precision medicine, and biostatistics.

Part of the success of our department is due to our collaborative spirit where one factor is that researchers at the Department share and co-finance common resources (e.g., IT and an applied biostatistics group). The department is situated at campus Solna. Further information can be found at http://ki.se/en/meb

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

1-2 postdoctoral positions are available within the breast cancer research group. The group currently comprises 3 senior and 3 junior researchers, 6 PhD students, research nurses, database and IT administrators. Most studies are performed in close collaboration with clinical departments in Stockholm and elsewhere in Sweden. Over the years a number of projects have been initiated in close collaboration with national and international research groups.

Most of what we do is done using the KARMA Cohort [https://karmastudy.org/] one of the world’s best-characterized prospective screening cohorts.

Our research aims at better understand the factors influencing risk and prognosis of breast cancer. We have moved beyond the standard risk factors through an intense collaboration within the Breast Cancer Association Consortium to target the genetic determinants of breast cancer. Several years ago we realised that a lot more could be learnt from understanding the so called mammographic features and their relation to overall and subtype specific breast cancer risk. Other projects we are working on are genomics of interval breast cancers, inherited variance for breast cancer risk and prognosis and identification of tissue specific markers for disease progression. Lately we have performed several randomised controlled trials all with the identifying means to reduce the incidence of breast cancer.

At the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (https://ki.se/meb) you will have vast opportunities to engage and participate in various research forums, outside as well as inside the department. The department is an inclusive workplace, encouraging collaborative departmental and interdisciplinary research, and we have an infrastructure to support our approach.

See Professor Per Hall’s group page for more information together with selected publications, https://staff.ki.se/people/perhal.

Your mission

Your main role will be to perform a broad range of analyses on large datasets where the overall aim is to continue using the unique Karma Cohort. An emphasize will be the use and better understanding of the features of mammograms. You will have the opportunity to work within an interdisciplinary as well as an international setting.

This is a position of 2 years with possibility of extension.

Your profile

You have a PhD degree in medical science, preferentially in experimental epidemiology. Previous experience in risk modelling, image analysis, genome wide association studies, and bioinformatics analysis is an advantage, interest in breast cancer research is a prerequisite, and fluency in English (both spoken and written) is required.

Requested personal skills and qualities:

Proven knowledgeable in breast cancer short-term risk model development based on image features, lifestyle factors, and genetic determinants.
Proven basic understanding of image analyses and analyses based on deep learning.
Proven skills for developing and analysing mammographic biomarkers for use in breast cancer prevention.
Proven skills in programming in R, SAS, Python, SQL, and Java.
Experience in international research collaborations and industry collaborations.
Good team player with interpersonal skills and a considerate manner, that is, ability to collaborate both within and beyond the group.
Structured and flexible.

Qualified to be employed as a postdoctor is one who has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) date of employment. This must be substantiated by the applicant's main supervisor, director or equivalent.

What do we offer?

Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles employees to several benefits such as extended holiday and a generous occupational pension. Employees also have free access to our modern gym and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location: Solna

Application

An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
A complete list of publications
A summary of current work (no more than one page)

Welcome with your application!

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all