Postdoc in cardiometabolic risk, multi-omics, and medical image analysis

We are pleased to announce an open position for postdoctoral with a strong inclination towards data-driven life sciences. The selected candidate will be responsible for integrating multi-omics and medical imaging data within a comprehensive human population study, focusing on precision health. We are committed to providing exceptional opportunities for frontiers research at the intersection of data science and biomedicine. Our vision is to improve population health by developing evidence-based tools and approaches for the precision prevention of cardiometabolic diseases.

Project description
The purpose of this project is to advance our understanding of cardiometabolic risk and develop precise and tailored prevention strategies in a multidisciplinary research team of the data-driven precision nutrition and the computer vision group at Chalmers.

We will accomplish this by clustering multi-layer omics data to identify latent cardiometabolic risk types and connect them to medical imaging assessment of pre-clinical tissue anomalies and future risk of cardiometabolic diseases. By coupling medical image data and multi-omics data using advanced computer vision techniques we will create visual representations of these novel risk types. Our central data sources are the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study (SCAPIS) and the Swedish Infrastructure for Medical Population-Based Life-Course and Environmental Research (SIMPLER).

Our ultimate goal is to develop novel biomarker panels that precisely quantify individual disease risk and identify critical biological processes. To this end, this Ph.D. project will focus on innovative machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches to integrate multi-layer -omics data (e.g., microbiome metagenome sequencing, host genomic, metabolomics, and proteomics data) with bioimages (computer tomography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging) of cardiovascular and metabolic tissues. By leveraging cutting-edge data-science techniques and globally competitive data sources, this project has the potential to provide novel insights into cardiometabolic disease etiology and inform innovative precision prevention approaches. Moreover, the candidate has the opportunity to build a unique research profile in data-drive life sciences that will propel the candidate's future academic or non-academic career.

The data-driven precision nutrition group operates under the auspices of the Wallenberg Data-Driven Life Science program (DDLS). The DDLS promotes precision health research by developing and implementing cutting-edge data science methods, providing powerful multi-omics platforms and high-performance computing infrastructure, and spearheading a focused recruitment and education initiative across leading Swedish universities. In addition to the excellent scientific, educational, and networking opportunities available at Chalmers, the successful applicant will benefit from the unique training and research support offered by the DDLS. Furthermore, international collaboration partners, such as the Harvard School of Public Health, the German Institute of Human Nutrition, and the PREDIMED trial, are relevant to this project.

The Computer Vision Group conducts research in the field of automatic image interpretation and perceptual scene understanding. The group targets both medical applications, such as the development of new and more effective methods and systems for analysis, support, and diagnostics, as well as general computer vision applications including autonomously guided vehicles (particularly self-driving cars), image-based localization, structure-from-motion, and object recognition. The main research problems include mathematical theory, algorithms, and machine learning (deep learning) for inverse problems in artificial intelligence, as well as application to medical problems. The group works closely with the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) with several affiliated PhD students.

Information about the division and the department
At the Department of Life Sciences (LIFE) we explore how biological systems and innovative technologies can be used to convert biomass into foods, pharmaceuticals, materials, chemicals and fuels. We develop and apply advanced experimental and computational technologies to discover how biomolecules, living cells and organisms function and interact. We pioneer new methods for the prediction, prevention, diagnostics and treatment of diseases. 
The Division of Food and Nutrition Science (FNS) is one of four research divisions at LIFE. FNS addresses major societal challenges related to sustainable food production, nutrition and health. We conduct fundamental and applied research, innovation, education and dissemination in Food and Nutrition Science with the aim to provide new knowledge and solutions that pave the way for a sustainable planet and healthy humans. Research topics span from food chemistry and food technology to molecular and data- driven nutrition (Precision Nutrition).

Major responsibilities
The position requires managing several scientific projects simultaneously with a high independence. The ideal candidate must possess critical skills, including teamwork, autonomy, and a strong drive to conduct high-impact research in the precision health area. Besides high scientific productivity and quality, the successful candidate is expected to support and supervise junior team members and contribute to a productive work environment.

Qualifications
Applicants should possess a strong background in cardiometabolic disease etiology, epidemiological methods, and data science. A profound motivation and track record of scientific productivity and impact are expected.

To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers).
The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

For information about what we offer and the application procedure, please visit chalmers Web page. See link: 
Postdoc in cardiometabolic risk, multi-omics, and medical image analysis