Do you have a background in chemometrics, system biology and/or metabolomics? Do you enjoy working interdisciplinary in an ambitious clinical research environment? Then you are the candidate we are looking for.
COPSAC is an internationally recognized clinical research centre consisting of approx. 40 employees. Our primary research focus areas are to uncover the causes of childhood asthma, allergy and eczema and improve prevention of the diseases. Our broader focus is to understand which early life factors that define inflammatory tendency and the risk of developing asthma and allergy, but also other chronic inflammatory diseases later in life. Recently, we have conducted two randomized studies with dietary supplements in pregnancy providing the possibility to study primary prevention of inflammatory diseases.
We closely follow 1100 children and their families and have longitudinal clinical data and biological samples from several compartments collected over the last 20 years. LC-MS based metabolomics profiles of the pregnant mothers, children from birth, 18 months and 6 years exists. In addition, we have available genetic, microbiological and immunological data that allow for systems biology integrative omics analyses.
We have a very strong focus on high quality throughout the data chain, from collecting samples, over clinical validation and quality assurance in databases, for analysis and final publication of results. The aggregate data material constitutes an international unique description of early life. As a result, we continuously publish in highly acclaimed international journals, such as NEJM, BMJ and Nature.
We are now seeking an ambitious and dedicated colleague to join our metabolomics group as part of the ERC Starting Grant entitled DEFEND, which aims at investigating how diet in pregnancy and early life shapes the child’s metabolism and how that is linked to asthma and neurodevelopment. You will be involved in both in-house metabolomics research projects in the form of data analysis and writing up scientific papers, but also international collaboration with our partners at Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
COPSAC offers
- Participation in a research environment at a high international level
- Possibility to contribute to high-ranking publications
- Possibility to lead projects that suit your skills / professional profile
- Possibility to gain experience in guidance and international cooperation
- Research support from data managers, IT, fundraising, economics, etc.
- A well-functioning, unpretentious and inspiring workplace with good work-life balance
- Competitive salary
Personal Profile
- Curious, passionate and enjoy being in the front line, where research makes a difference
- Dedicated, ambitious and capable of initiating self-propelled progress
- Like working in an interdisciplinary working environment characterized by high academic level and a dynamic everyday life, where the focus can change as new results are uncovered
- Able to communicate complex analyses and results to colleagues with non-technical background
- Be sure to seek and absorb new knowledge as relevant technology develops
- Strong communicator in general and especially safe by communicating in English both verbally and in writing
- Can display relevant scientific publications for the last 3 years
Professional profile
- Postdoc experience in chemometrics, biostatistics or equivalent.
- Preferred background in metabolomics (wet and / or dry lab experience) – alternatively experience with related omics.
- Fluent in performing and interpreting statistical analyses in R, including univariate linear, survival and non-parametric models as well as multivariate analysis through PCA, PLS, networks, etc.
- Knowledge of bioinformatic database mining.
- You have a biological and/or medical understanding, but do not have to be an expert.
Make a difference
You will play a crucial role as postdoc in a highly interdisciplinary research environment. You will work in a team of colleagues who are all passionate about their work and proud of their results. The research group has international awareness and the area enjoys great public interest. We have a great working environment, characterized by a good mood and an informal round of things. We have high ambitions with plenty of space for sparring and professional development.
Are you interested?
If you want to know more about the position, please contact associate professor Bo Chawes or head of administration Marianne Mikkelsen on phone 38 67 73 60 or read more about the COPSAC research centre at: www.copsac.com.
Apply here
Application deadline is October 15, 2020. The employment is for 24 months with the possibility for extension. Salary and employment will be by agreement and according to current rules in the Capital Region of Denmark.