Postdoc in application of machine and deep learning algorithms for genetics and other multi-omics data to study ADHD and Obesity

Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research
University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoc fellow to commence on March 1, 2025, or after agreement in the Rasmussen Group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR), University of Copenhagen.

About Us
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) is an academic research Center that pioneers groundbreaking research towards better cardiometabolic health. Through collaborative interdisciplinary research from single-cell genomics to whole-body systems, CBMR aims to transform the basic understanding of cardiometabolic health and accelerate its translation into prevention and treatment strategies. The Center’s uniquely multi- and interdisciplinary approach combines research in genetics, physiology and pharma­cology, to better understand the complex interplay of the many factors that drive cardiometabolic disease. You can learn more in the Executive Summary of CBMR's Strategy 2024–2028.

CBMR was established in 2010 at the Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences and has been located in the Maersk Tower at PANUM since 2017. The around 260 employees create an international, highly collaborative research environment across disciplines.

Our Research
The Rasmussen Lab focuses on development and application of computational algorithms such as machine and deep learning for analysis and integration of multi-omics and multi-modal data within cardiometabolic disease. We develop and apply supervised, un-supervised, self-supervised and generative models to learn across multiple types of data rather than treating each data modality in isolation. We have a high focus on collaboration with national and international partners and thrive in interdisciplinary projects. In the group we organize ourselves around smaller teams with common goals and have an inclusive atmosphere. We encourage diversity across all parameters.

Job Description
The aim of the project is to study and develop biologically informed prediction models for obesity risk in individuals with ADHD. The position is part of a Novo Nordisk Foundation Data Science funded project in collaboration with the Demontis Lab at Aarhus University. The candidate will define subgroups of individuals with ADHD through integration of multi-omics, clinical, and electronic health record data using large international biobank data such as iPSYCH, UKB, Generation Scotland, All-of-Us and/or Project 10K. This will be done using our deep learning based integrative framework MOVE (Allesøe et al., Nature Biotechnology, 2023). We will investigate the subgoups using genetic information such as ADHD and obesity specific polygenic risk scores, GWAS relevant and rare variants. Furthermore, there will be an opportunity to incorporate molecular information from scRNA and scATAC data in collaboration with the NNF Center for Genomic Mechanism of Disease at the Broad institute. For risk prediction across modalities, we will apply our supervised deep learning framework EIR (Sigurdsson et al., 2023, NAR). Besides modelling, your tasks will also include interpretation of the results and dissemination through presentations and preparation of manuscripts. You will join our team aiming to improve precision health through training DL models on biobank scale molecular and health data.

Profile
Required qualifications:

• PhD in Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Data Science or another relevant research field.
• Excellent scientific track record in relation to career stage.
• Profound knowledge on machine learning and/or deep learning.
• Experience in analysis of human genomics and/or multi-omics data.
• Experience in programming is strongly desirable.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral.

Terms of Employment
The employment as Postdoc is a full-time position for 2 years with the possibility of an extension. The starting date is March 1, 2025, or after agreement. Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated.

Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark for the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Professor Simon Rasmussen at [email protected]. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact HR at [email protected].

The University of Copenhagen International Staff Mobility office offers support and assistance to all international researchers on all issues related to moving to and settling in Denmark.

Application Procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English via the ‘Apply now’ link below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

• Cover letter expressing the motivation and previous research experience of the applicant (max. one page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of the PhD degree certificate and the Master’s degree certificate.
• List of publications
• References (name and contact details of at least two references)

Application Deadline: 17 November 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The Further Process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed, each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at www.employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process.

The applicant will be assessed according to Ministerial Order No. 242 of March 13, 2012, on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their personal backgrounds.