PhD Research Fellow in Optimized Monitoring of Patients with Primary Adrenal Insufficiency (DC1)
The University of Bergen, in collaboration with Haukeland University Hospital, invites applications for a PhD Research Fellowship in Optimized Monitoring of Patients with Primary Adrenal Insufficiency (DC1) at the Faculty of Medicine. This position is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network ENDOTRAIN, which focuses on digital endocrinology and innovative approaches to combat adrenal diseases. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment at the Department of Clinical Science and the Endocrine Medicine Research Group, benefiting from expertise in clinical research, molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics.
The project aims to investigate endocrine rhythms in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) using real-world, continuous data streams. The research will explore how cortisol levels affect tissue glucose, blood pressure, and sleep, correlating these findings with patient-reported outcomes. The ultimate goal is to define the optimal range of tissue cortisol in PAI and compare time-in-range metrics to healthy subjects. The study involves a case-control design, collecting wearable-based physiological data and hormone profiles from both healthy individuals and PAI patients at varying hydrocortisone doses. Data integration will include blood pressure, tissue glucose, activity, heart rate, sleep metrics, 24-hour hormone profiling, proteomics, and patient-reported data, contributing to multimodal datasets for digital diagnostic tool development in endocrinology.
The position offers secondments at the University of Ulm (Germany) for algorithm development and the University of Manchester (UK) for mathematical modelling of hormone rhythms. The candidate will participate in the ENDOTRAIN doctoral training network, attending workshops, retreats, and cohort-wide meetings across Europe. The research group provides access to state-of-the-art biobanking, wearable technologies, hormone analytics, and extensive international collaborations.
Applicants must hold a master's degree in medicine (MD) and have a strong interest in translational endocrinology and digital health. Basic programming or data science skills (R, Python) and experience with wearable data analysis are advantageous. Candidates should be able to work independently, communicate effectively, and collaborate across disciplines. Fluency in English is required, and international applicants must provide certified translations and HK-dir recognition of their degrees unless exempted. Admission to the University of Bergen's structured PhD programme is mandatory.
The position is fully funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant, with a gross annual salary starting at NOK 570,000 and higher rates for licensed medical doctors, dentists, and specialists. Benefits include enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, occupational injury insurance, full salary during sick leave, paid parental leave, and free Norwegian language courses. The University of Bergen is committed to diversity, inclusion, and gender equality, encouraging applications from women, individuals with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, and those with career gaps.
Applications must be submitted via the Jobbnorge electronic recruiting system, including all mandatory attachments: application form, CV, mobility declaration, motivation letter, and transcripts. If the master's degree is pending, a statement of expected completion date is required. HK-dir review documentation must be included for international degrees. The application deadline is 15th February 2026, and the position is scheduled to start in August 2026.
For further information, contact Professors Marianne Øksnes, Walter Karlen, Eystein Sverre Husebye, Helge Ræder, or Project Manager Elizabeth Farmer. Join a leading European research network and contribute to advancing digital health and endocrinology.