Ben Brumpton

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.

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a PhD Candidate position in Genetic Epidemiology at the HUNT MCE research center, located in Trondheim, Norway. NTNU is a leading technical-scientific university with a strong commitment to professional education and research, employing 9,000 staff and hosting 43,000 students. The HUNT MCE center specializes in population studies to understand how biology, lifestyle, and environment influence health and disease development, aiming to improve prevention and treatment strategies through multidisciplinary research in genetic, molecular, and clinical epidemiology. This 3-year, full-time PhD position focuses on investigating how genetic variation at the population level affects disease risk, utilizing large-scale genotype data from over 70,000 individuals in the HUNT Study, linked with comprehensive health information from national and local registries. The project will involve developing and applying robust methods for analyzing genomic data, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), polygenic prediction, Mendelian randomization, functional bioinformatics, and network analysis. The specific research aims will be tailored in collaboration with the successful candidate, offering opportunities for international collaboration, including a potential research stay at the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol. As a PhD Candidate, you will be expected to complete doctoral education, conduct high-quality research, publish academic and popular science outputs, participate in the GWAS research group, attend international conferences or research stays, and contribute to teaching and other career-promoting activities. The position offers career guidance, a mentor program, working capital for project implementation, and access to employee benefits such as membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund and free basic Norwegian language training. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in epidemiology, genetics, biostatistics, or a related field, equivalent to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at the master's level. Master's students may apply if the degree is completed before starting the position and no later than September 1, 2025. A strong academic record (grade B or better) and proficiency in spoken and written English are required. Preferred qualifications include prior research experience, publications, programming skills (R or Python, Linux shell scripting), and presentation skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language. Personal motivation, independence, teamwork, and research potential are highly valued. The gross annual salary is NOK 550,800, with a 2% statutory pension fund contribution. The position is conditional on external funding and requires physical presence at NTNU. Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no, including all required documents in English. The application deadline is December 1, 2025. NTNU values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The university is committed to equality, inclusion, and a supportive working environment. For further information about the position, contact Associate Professor Ben Brumpton at [email protected]. For recruitment process queries, contact HR Rebecca Hembre Storli at [email protected]. Trondheim offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent welfare services, and a high quality of life, making it an attractive location for international researchers and students.