Staff scientist in epidemiology

Description
Umeå University is the site of the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 genetic scissors, a revolution in genetic engineering that has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
The Staff Scientist position is based in the Fors Connolly research group, a multidisciplinary environment with medical doctors, statisticians and epidemiologists. The group has published in journals such as The Lancet and BMJ. Its research focuses on viral infections, risk factors for severe disease, and acute and long-term complications, particularly following SARS-CoV-2, influenza and Puumala virus infections.
Work assignments
The Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University is seeking a Staff Scientist with a focus on epidemiology. You will independently plan, conduct and interpret epidemiological studies within the group’s ongoing research projects.
The work uses large, linked Swedish national register datasets from the Public Health Agency of Sweden, the National Board of Health and Welfare, Statistics Sweden and the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. You will work closely with medical doctors, statisticians, epidemiologists and the group’s data manager, as well as national and international collaborators.
You will:
Independently design and conduct whole-population studies of risk factors for infection and severe disease, and complications following viral infections.
Plan, conduct and interpret analyses using the self-controlled case series (SCCS) method and survival analysis.
Work with the data manager to structure and quality-check analysis datasets and define exposures and outcomes using ICD codes and procedure codes.
Provide epidemiological and methodological expertise in collaboration with medical doctors, statisticians and other researchers.
Develop and document analytical methods and scripts, and handle sensitive register data securely.
Contribute to scientific publications, group meetings and presentations of research findings.
Provide methodological supervision to researchers and doctoral students in study design, epidemiological methods and analysis.
Qualifications
Requirements for the position:
A doctoral degree, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent, in epidemiology, public health, veterinary medicine or an equivalent field, with a focus on epidemiology. This requirement must be met by the time the appointment decision is made.
Documented, substantial practical experience of independently applying the self-controlled case series (SCCS) method.
Documented contributions to the methodological development of the SCCS method.
Documented, substantial experience of designing, conducting and analysing whole-population studies using large, linked Swedish national register datasets.
Solid experience of survival analysis and documented proficiency in R or equivalent statistical software.
Demonstrated excellence in interdisciplinary and cross-professional collaboration, particularly with medical doctors and statisticians, supported by previous collaborative research and references.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain epidemiological methods and results to colleagues with different professional backgrounds.
Completion of an information security course covering the secure handling of sensitive data in a Scandinavian setting, supported by a certificate or equivalent documentation.
Fluency in spoken and written English and a high motivation to conduct research.
Good knowledge of the research field, attention to detail and the ability to independently plan studies, develop methods, perform analyses and summarise results.
Significant emphasis will be placed on experience of SCCS and whole-population studies, documented contributions to SCCS method development, completed course in data security and the ability to collaborate.
Additional qualifications
Experience of methodological supervision of researchers and doctoral students is particularly advantageous. Postdoctoral experience in epidemiology, research experience in viral infections and their complications, and previous work with sensitive data in a secure research environment are also advantageous. A clinical background, for example as a medical doctor or veterinarian, is advantageous.
Terms of employment
The position is part-time at 20% of full-time. Type of employment: Permanent position. The start date is 1st of January 2027.
Your application should include:
A cover letter in English outlining your qualifications and motivation, summarised on one A4 page.
A CV including a list of publications.
Certified copies of your doctoral degree and other relevant degree certificates, and documentation of completed data-security training.
Copies of the two most relevant publications and documentation of your contributions to SCCS method development.
Contact details for at least two referees who can attest to your methodological expertise and ability to collaborate.
Other relevant information about your qualifications.
Please submit your application electronically via Varbi in Word or PDF format. The application deadline is 2026-11-06.
For further information, please contact Anne-Marie Fors Connolly
(anne-marie.fors.connolly@umu.se).
We look forward to receiving your application!