Research specialist - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of research group and project
The psychiatric epidemiology group at MEB is focused on identifying causes and consequences of psychiatric disorders across the lifespan, with a strong focus on neurodevelopmental disorders. These disorders are investigated in large-scale registry databases and using genetic epidemiological techniques, including twin and molecular genetic methods. We are currently looking for a research specialist with very strong skills in these methods, particularly in twin methods in relation to neurodevelopmental disorders, to work on a project investigating long-term outcomes associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) across the lifespan.

Duties and responsibilities
The role will involve managing and planning a very large scale, internationally collaborative project concerning adult outcomes associated with ASD. The research specialist will be responsible for liaising with researchers in both Sweden and the UK to facilitate access to data, will extract and manage registry data, and perform complex genetic epidemiological analyses of large, genetically-informative datasets. The research specialist will also be responsible for disseminating the results in leading journals and at conferences. Supervising medical and doctoral students will be encouraged, and teaching on the medical program at KI will be expected.

Skills and personal qualities
We are seeking an applicant with a PhD in behavioral genetics, with exceptionally strong skills in twin studies and the ability to perform molecular genetic analyses and register-based studies. It is essential that the candidate has published multiple twin studies of ASD, ideally in journals of the highest impact factor within psychiatry. The candidate must have a specific interest in studying adult outcomes in relation to ASD using these techniques. The ability to calculate and analyze polygenic risk scores is essential, as is the ability to extract, manage, and analyze large-scale registry datasets. The ability to apply for large grants is important.

The applicant should be collegial, and prepared to contribute to a thriving psychiatric epidemiology group at MEB, must be able to manage their workload during periods of higher pressure, and have an emerging track record of attracting grant income. Strong team work and collaborative skills are essential.

Excellent written and oral skills in English are required, as is basic knowledge of Swedish.

Entry requirements
A person is eligible to be appointed Senior Researcher if he or she has been awarded a Degree of Doctor or has achieved the corresponding scientific competence, as well as documented research after publicly defending his or her doctoral thesis corresponding to qualification as Assistant professor.

In addition to this, displayed pedagogical proficiency or other related skills that are relevant to the appointment's duties may be required to be eligible.

Bases of assessment
We stress research expertise when assessing applicants.

Application process
An application must contain the following documents in English: Curriculum vitae, qualifications and description of planned research, presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet’s qualifications portfolio (http://ki.se/qualificationsportfolio). 

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

At Karolinska Institutet a 6-month trial period is required for all permanent appointments.