Job description

A two-year postdoctoral fellowship is available at the K.G. Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research. The position is part of an interdisciplinary research project where we combine computational models with laboratory experiments to create new insight in heart physiology and pathology.

The main aim of K.G. Jebsen Centre for Cardiac Research is to identify key factors of diastolic dysfunction in heart failure (HF). HF is a major cause of death in western countries, and is the main cause of hospitalization among patients over 65 years in Europe.

Traditionally, HF has been associated with reduced pumping capacity of the heart, but reduced filling, known as diastolic dysfunction, has recently been acknowledged as a prominent cause. Diastolic dysfunction is known to be linked to increased stiffness of the heart muscle tissue, but important pathological mechanisms remain unknown and there is a lack of specific treatment. The postdoctoral position is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Institute for Experimental Medical Research (IEMR) at University of Oslo/Oslo University Hospital and Simula Research Laboratory, with the aim of using computational models and biomechanics to identify key mechanisms and novel biomarkers of diastolic dysfunction.

More about the position

The overall aim of the Postdoc will be to establish new biomarkers for diastolic dysfunction, based on detailed computational models of ventricular mechanics. The models will be based on experimental data from IEMR, and will be used to test known contributors to diastolic dysfunction, including impaired relaxation, hypertrophy, and increased passive stiffness. These contributors will be individually assessed in computational models, to quantify their impact on both established and novel biomarkers.

The relevant computational models have been developed in the context of an ongoing research collaboration, and will be developed further in the proposed project. Detailed models from MRI images of animals with varying degree of heart failure will be segmented into high quality finite element meshes using existing tools and workflows, and model parameters will be fitted based on a rich set of measured experimental data. The resulting matched and individualized models will be used to analyze disease mechanisms and potential biomarkers.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

• Doctoral degree in scientific computing, biomedical engineering, biomechanics, or related areas.
• Experience with finite element models and computational mechanics
• Good programming skills, primarily in Python
• Experience with computational modeling in biomedical research
• Strong academic track record/publication record
• Excellent written and oral English language skills are required

Personal skills

Value will be placed on strengths within:

• Systematic analysis and assessment
• Implementation
• Self-development
• Initiative and accountability
• Constructive cooperation

We offer

• Salary NOK 523 200 - 594 400 per annum, depending on qualifications, in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• Challenging applied and interdisciplinary research tasks
• A dynamic and innovative research environment skillful, experienced, and creative research colleagues
• Well-established national and international scientific networks
• A large degree of autonomy, and flexible working hours

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications
• Up to 2 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented academic qualifications as well as the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged. It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

• Professor Ivar Sjaastad, ivar.sjaastad@medisin.uio.no
• Researcher Joakim Sundnes (sundnes@simula.no)

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