Data Manager – PsychGen Centre for Genetic Epidemiology and Mental Health

We are seeking a skilled and motivated candidate for a full-time position as Data Manager in the PsychGen Centre for Genetic Epidemiology and Mental Health, a cross-institutional research environment at Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) in Oslo, Norway.

We are looking for a highly motivated, collaborative, and detail-oriented candidate with relevant training (e.g., data science, statistics, epidemiology, informatics, or similar) who wishes to facilitate for cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the interface of mental health, epidemiology, and genetics. The successful candidate will be employed at Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital and will work closely with researchers across Lovisenberg, NIPH and in our wider collaborative network. As part of the PsychGen Centre, you will be embedded within a diverse team of international, interdisciplinary researchers, supporting high-quality research using large-scale cohort and registry data.

About the PsychGen Centre

PsychGen aims to increase our knowledge about how genes and environmental factors influence the development and progression of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions throughout the lifespan. Our goal is to build knowledge with potential to improve prevention, early intervention, and treatment strategies, and ultimately lead to improved wellbeing for individuals and communities.

The projects managed or associated with the centre cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Understanding development of mental health problems in the general population
• The genetic and environmental causes of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression
• Understanding and predicting the intergenerational transmission of mental health conditions
• Pandemic and post-pandemic mental health – risk and resilience in young people
• Self-harm among young people
• Multimorbidity and co-occurrence
• Health, function and wellbeing across childhood and adolescence in people with neurodevelopmental conditions
• Progression of mental illness and predictors of recovery
• Sleep and fatigue
• Eating problems and disorders

We work extensively with data from the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child birth cohort (MoBa), as well as linked Norwegian registry sources such as the National Patient Register and Statistics Norway. We also frequently carry out research using publicly available genome-wide association study statistics and have several clinically-oriented projects collecting primary research data.

Role and Responsibilities

The Data Manager will play a central role in coordinating and supporting data infrastructure and workflows across the PsychGen Centre. Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating applications for access to new data from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and relevant national registry sources
• Liaising with data providers to ensure high-quality data deliveries and maintaining data integrity
• Quality control and harmonisation of incoming datasets
• Preparing and structuring data for use across multiple PsychGen research projects
• Developing, maintaining, and expanding PsychGen’s data dictionary and documentation
• Managing and overseeing data access for researchers and collaborators on TSD, including overseeing alignment with ethical approvals and data processing agreements
• Ensuring robust data management infrastructure in line with best practices for data minimisation, security, and preservation of participant anonymity
• Maintaining an overview of relevant ethical approvals and data processing agreements, and ensure compliance across the group
• Contributing to centre activities by coordinating with the PsychGen executive committee
• Develop and implement workflows to support high standards open and reproducible science

The Research Team

You will join the PsychGen Centre led by Alexandra Havdahl, Helga Ask, and Laurie Hannigan, based across Lovisenberg Hospital and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in psychiatric epidemiology, psychology, genetics, and biostatistics, and contribute to a highly collaborative and internationally connected research environment.

Qualifications and personal skills

Essential

• A PhD in a relevant field such as data science, bioinformatics, statistics, epidemiology, computer science, or similar (education to Master’s level and relevant experience may be considered for exceptional candidates)
• Strong experience with data management and statistical programming (e.g., R, Python)
• Experience working with large and complex datasets
• Good understanding of data governance, data protection, and reproducible research practices
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English and Norwegian

Desirable

• Experience working with longitudinal cohort or registry data
• Experience working with genetics or other -omics data
• Experience in working with sensitive data and operating in secure computing environments
• High competence with R statistical programming language (specifically)
• Knowledge about GDPR compliancy for research
• Familiarity with Norwegian health registries or similar data sources, and experience of applying for and handling new data deliveries
• Experience supporting multiple research projects simultaneously
• Interest in mental health or developmental research

What we offer

• Full-time, permanent position with salary after agreement, depending on qualifications
• An inspiring working environment with supportive and dedicated colleagues and a highly collaborative research team
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Opportunities for active participation in research projects
• Experience working with unique data sources such as the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study and national registries
• Flexible working conditions
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous salary pension scheme through KLP
• A wide range of company sports teams and Oslo’s rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter of max. 2 pages (statement of motivation and relevant experience)
• CV (including summary of education, employment, and relevant experience)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• List of reference persons: 2–3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

International applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system, and – if necessary – seek approval of grades and qualifications by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills.

Please note that all submitted documents should be in English or Norwegian.

Assessment criteria

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on relevant experience, technical skills, organisational ability, and personal suitability. Interviews will be performed as part of the selection process.

Start date: 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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