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PhD Candidate in Genetic Epidemiology – Genomics and Industry Collaboration Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
3-year PhD position; salary normally NOK 580,000 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority; position is conditional on external funding.
Deadline
Nov 15, 2026
Country
Norway
University
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
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About this position
This PhD position is based at the HUNT Center for Molecular and Clinical Epidemiology (HUNT MCE) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. The project sits within HUNT-Genes IP, an industry-supported genomics initiative that brings together academic researchers, St. Olavs hospital, and partners from the pharmaceutical and health technology industries to develop a model for academic–industry collaboration in population-based genetics.
The research uses large population-based cohort data from the HUNT Study, including genotype data from more than 88,000 individuals linked to rich health information from national and local registries. This creates a distinctive environment for investigating how genetic variation can be used to identify and validate drug targets, understand disease risk, and study treatment effects. A flagship application of the project is the prioritization of genetic drug targets for Alzheimer’s disease.
The successful candidate will work on robust and reproducible genomic analyses and contribute to method development for large-scale genetic epidemiology. The project may include genome-wide association studies, drug-target Mendelian randomization, analyses of on- and off-target effects, genetic target trial emulation, pharmacoepidemiologic validation, polygenic prediction, and functional bioinformatic follow-up. The specific research aims will be developed together with the candidate and project partners.
The PhD candidate will participate in joint meetings with industry partners, present and discuss findings, and contribute to collaborative analyses under the project’s collaboration and confidentiality agreements. The work is embedded in the HUNT MCE Group for Genetic Epidemiology and the wider Genomic Epidemiology (GWAS) research group, with opportunities for international collaboration and a possible research stay abroad, for example at the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol.
NTNU describes HUNT MCE as a multidisciplinary setting that uses genetic, molecular, and clinical epidemiology to study disease development across a wide range of health conditions. The position is designed to build a research career in academia, the life science industry, or the public health and health care sector.
Funding details
3-year PhD position; salary normally NOK 580,000 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority; position is conditional on external funding.
What's required
Applicants must have a relevant Master's degree in genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, bioinformatics or an equivalent field such as epidemiology, biostatistics, genetics or computational biology, with substantial training in the analysis of genetic or genomic data. The degree must include a major independent project of at least 30 ECTS equivalent to a master's thesis. Candidates must meet admission requirements for the faculty's Doctoral Programme and have an average grade from the Master's degree, or equivalent education, equal to B or better on NTNU's grading scale; if letter grades are unavailable, an equally strong academic foundation is required. A weaker academic background may be considered if the applicant can document exceptional suitability through relevant work experience and/or peer-reviewed academic work. Excellent spoken and written English is required. Preferred qualifications include experience with large-scale genomic data, R and/or Python, Linux, high-performance computing, Git/Snakemake/Nextflow, research publications, industry or external collaboration, biobank/cohort/health registry data, and oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.
How to apply
Apply electronically via Jobbnorge.no. Include transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees, CV, a copy or draft of your Master's thesis, a short motivation letter, any relevant publications or certificates, and contact information for three referees. If applicable, also include documentation of studies taken abroad and any HK-dir statement.
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Professors
Associate Professor at Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Norway
Research Interests
Statistics
Epidemiology
Genetic Epidemiology
Medical Science
Biology
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.