Associate Senior Lecturer in data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics
University of Gothenburg
The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 53 500 students and 6 500 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.
As part of a national program within Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS), the University of Gothenburg is recruiting a DDLS Fellow within data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics for a tenure track position as an Associate Senior Lecturer (Assistant Professor). The successful candidate will receive a generous recruitment package.
Within the DDLS program, you can develop your full potential as a leading independent scientist in a flourishing academic environment linked to Sahlgrenska University Hospital, AstraZeneca and Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. You will become part of the local scientific environment and network within the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, WCMTM, and nationally with the DDLS program at SciLifeLab (see more information below).
At the University of Gothenburg, research relevant to data-driven life science is conducted within Sahlgrenska Academy (the faculty of medicine) at the following institutes: Institute of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Institute of Clinical Sciences. It is also conducted within the Faculty of Science at the following departments: Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Biology and Environmental Science. The research environments share infrastructure with access to advanced technologies and analysis tools. Sahlgrenska University Hospital, which is the largest university hospital in Sweden and offers excellent opportunities for translational and clinical research, is located next to the two faculties. The University of Gothenburg also collaborates with AstraZeneca, where precision medicine is a well-established R&D platform, which aims to identify the right patient for the right treatment.
Nearby to these faculties and the hospital is also Chalmers University of Technology, which is recruiting a DDLS Fellow in precision medicine and diagnostics and one in cell and molecular biology. This offers excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations between the University of Technology and the Faculty of Medicine (Sahlgrenska Academy) and the Faculty of Science at the University of Gothenburg for the successful candidate. Chalmers is a partner in Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) and the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT).
The SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) is a 12-year initiative funded with a total of 3,1 billion SEK from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The purpose of the program is to recruit and train the next-generation of data-driven life scientists and to create globally leading computational and data science capabilities in life science in Sweden.
The program will recruit 39 eminent early career group leaders as DDLS Fellows, launch over 210 postdoctoral positions and establish a research school for 260 PhDs, within both academia and industry. The program is coordinated by SciLifeLab, a nationwide research infrastructure and a hub for cross-disciplinary life sciences. The Fellows will be recruited to the 11 participating host universities/organizations, enabling them to link up with strong local research environments as well as with the national DDLS program. The DDLS program promotes collaborative interdisciplinary work and engagement with industry, healthcare and other national and international partners, such as WASP, with the aim of bridging the life science and data science communities.
The DDLS program will focus on four strategic areas of data-driven research: cell and molecular biology, evolution and biodiversity, precision medicine and diagnostics, epidemiology and infection biology. We are now looking for the first 20 early career group leaders to join us as DDLS Fellows.
Each DDLS Fellow will receive a recruitment package of 17 MSEK, which is meant to cover 5 years of his/her own salary, two PhD students and two postdoc positions, as well as running costs. The Fellow positions are tenure-track, and the universities/organizations will assume the long-term responsibility of their support as tenured faculty.
The future of life science is data-driven.
Will you be leading that change with us?
Then apply now!
Subject area description
The subject area concerns data-driven research on precision medicine, such as the use of computational tools to integrate molecular and clinical data for translational research and diagnostic development thereby facilitating individualized patient care. Data integration and analysis can be used for patient stratification, for discovery of diagnostic biomarkers and for longitudinal monitoring and follow-up. Precision medicine also depends on capabilities for data interpretation, visualization and clinical decision support. The research is expected to use assets, such as electronic health care records, molecular data (e.g. imaging and omics), as well as longitudinal patient and population registries, biobanks and digital monitoring data. The ultimate long-term goal of the research should be to develop precision medicine in order to tailor the right intervention or treatment to the right person at the right time.
Job assignments
As the successful candidate, you are expected to initiate a competitive research program and start or further develop an independent line of research within data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics and to actively apply for external funding. You are expected to actively contribute to cooperation with Sahlgrenska University Hospital, AstraZeneca and Chalmers University of Technology. You are expected to actively participate in the local meetings and activities within WCMTM as well as in meetings within the DDLS Program and cooperate within the established network of the four Wallenberg Centres of Molecular Medicine in Lund, Linköping and Umeå, and Science for Life Laboratories in Stockholm/Uppsala.
The position includes planning and performing teaching in doctoral, master’s and undergraduate programs. Teaching includes lectures, exercises and examinations as well as the supervision of doctoral, medical, master’s and undergraduate students. A successful candidate without university-level teacher training should participate in educational courses for higher education within two years of employment.
Eligibility
A PhD in a subject area relevant to the position or equivalent scientific competency is a requirement. An applicant with a degree that is judged to be comparable is also eligible. Preference is given to applicants who have been awarded a PhD, a comparable degree or achieved equivalent scientific competency no more than five years before the expiration date of this announcement. Applicants who have obtained a doctorate earlier may also be given primary consideration if there are special reasons. Special reasons include leave of absence due to illness, parental leave or other similar circumstances. The reasons and extent of leave of absence should be clearly specified in the application and confirmed by certificates. Eligibility for employment as an Associate Senior Lecturer is stated in Chapter 4, Section 4a of the Higher Education Ordinance and the University of Gothenburg’s Employment Ordinance.
Ability to teach in English or Swedish is a requirement.
Assessment
Assessment criteria for employment as a teacher are stated in Chapter 4, Section 4a of the Higher Education Ordinance and the University of Gothenburg’s employment regulations.
Assessment of the applications will be based primarily on scientific merits and secondarily on pedagogical and administrative merits and skills. All aspects will be carefully assessed. When assessing scientific proficiency, particular emphasis will be placed on the level of independently performed research within data-driven precision medicine, such as the use of computational tools to integrate molecular and clinical data for translational research and diagnostic development thereby facilitating individualized patient care. Data integration and analysis can be used for patient stratification, for discovery of diagnostic biomarkers and for longitudinal monitoring and follow-up. Precision medicine also depends on capabilities for data interpretation, visualization and clinical decision support. The research is expected to use assets, such as electronic health care records, molecular data (e.g. imaging and omics), as well as longitudinal patient and population registries, biobanks and digital monitoring data. The ultimate long-term goal of the research should be to develop precision medicine in order to tailor the right intervention or treatment to the right person at the right time.
The scientific assessment will be based on publications in leading international journals, where quality and impact are given more weight than total production. Favorable consideration will be given to candidates with demonstrated success in attracting external funding in competition nationally or internationally, and participation in national and international collaboration projects.cientific proficiency is also assessed through the scientific quality of the submitted research program and the proven ability to develop and lead research activities with relevance to the present position.
Priority will be given to candidates with experience from several research environments, especially postdoctoral fellowships at universities other than the one that awarded the individual’s doctoral degree, as well as to candidates who can demonstrate international mobility. Furthermore, at the time of the interview, the applicant’s personal suitability and the plan to start their own research group will weigh heavily in the collective assessment.
When assessing teaching skills, particular emphasis is placed on well-documented educational experience of planning, performing and leading teaching. Favorable consideration will be given to documented ability to supervise doctoral, medical, master’s and undergraduate students.
For administrative skills, special emphasis is placed on experience of leadership and experience from collaborative projects.
The overall assessment of the applications will consider proficiency and potential for development, ability to carry out the duties of the position, to cooperate with others, and to contribute to the positive development of the organization.
Other conditions
The decision regarding the DDLS recruitment package will be determined by the SciLifeLab Board prior to the start of the employment. The successful candidate is expected to supplement the package with national and international grants. An individual scientific and educational development plan will be determined upon agreement between the individual and the head of institute.
In Gothenburg, DDLS Fellows will be part of the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine (WCMTM) where 22 research group leaders are currently active in different research fields. WCMTM was established in collaboration with the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the Hospital Region West and AstraZeneca as part of a national agenda to further strengthen Sweden’s position within molecular medicine. The Wallenberg Centre is located in Gothenburg, with activities at Sahlgrenska Academy and the Faculty of Science at the University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and AstraZeneca to ensure unique translational research environments in the interface between academia, healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.
Employment
Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, five years
Extent: 100%
Location: Host institute depends on the hired individual’s research profile and personal preferences.
First day of employment: As soon as possible, as agreed
A position as Associate Senior Lecturer is a fixed-term position and defined as a career-development position. The purpose of the position is to allow you to develop as an independent researcher and establish scholarly and educational qualifications to fulfill eligibility requirements as a senior lecturer (assistant professor). The position may be extended by at most two years because of sick leave, parental leave or other special reasons result in additional time is required to fulfill the purpose of the position. Refer to the requirements for being promoted to senior lecturer at Sahlgrenska Academy (assessment criteria, Swedish only) and at the Faculty of Science (assessment criteria, Swedish only).
Appointment procedure
The selection process will include evaluation by external experts, interviews and oral presentations. The assessment of qualifications and experience will consider parental leave, sick leave or other similar circumstances. The reasons and extent of leave of absence should be specified in the application and supported by a certificate. The candidate will be given the opportunity to meet representatives of the participating departments at the Faculty of Medicine (Sahlgrenska Academy) and the Faculty of Science to evaluate in which environment the planned research program fits best.
For further information:
Regarding the position, please contact:
Christina Jern, Professor at the Sahlgrenska Academy, director of the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine; christina.jern@gu.se
Margit Mahlapuu, Professor at the Faculty of Science, vice director of the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine; margit.mahlapuu@gu.se
Julia Grönros, research coordinator at the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine; julia.gronros@gu.se
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply
Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
How to apply
In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application. Together with your application, the following should be attached:
- Cover letter.
- CV, including a complete list of publications and a record of research grants received (with amounts).
- Description of scientific expertise and a list of ten selected scientific publications and why you chose to refer to each of them in your application.
- A research plan with a description of current and planned research as well as other planned activities relevant to this position (maximum five pages).
- Description of educational expertise, including information about the extent and level of your teaching experience and evaluations of your teaching’s quality. The description should also include a reflection on your educational approach and teaching philosophy.
- Description of experience of administrative duties such as collaborative projects and/or leadership or management positions.
- Copies of your most relevant publications in full format (maximum ten publications).
- Certificates and other documents to be considered.
Any documents that are not available in electronic format should be sent in three copies to:
University of Gothenburg
The Sahlgrenska Academy
Box 400
405 30 Göteborg
SWEDEN
The reference number of the application, PAR 2021/854, should be clearly stated when mailing complementary documents.
The application is to be written in English since it will be assessed by international experts.
Closing date: September 5, 2021