Postdoc position on statistical genetics in plant breeding with special focus on cultivar mixtures in wheat

A postdoc position focusing on statistical genetic and the modelling of quantitative and disease resistance traits in commercial crops is available in March 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter at the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University.

The position

The postdoc will develop statistical models and methods in a new breeding program for cultivar mixtures primarily in wheat, supporting higher yield stability and disease resistance for sustainable wheat production.

Special focus will be on using genomic prediction for more efficient selection of new wheat lines and with special focus on prediction of the performance in cultivar mixtures specific combining ability between lines which raises interesting questions regarding experimental design and associated information of variation in the soil microbiome. This involves estimation of variance component models including microbiome and host relations to handle the genotype by environment interactions for traits recorded under different locations and environment conditions. Additionally, information of both genotyped and non-genotyped individuals need to be combined. Methods for evaluation and comparison of models should be developed and implemented in breeding schemes that involve traditional monoline information as well as phenotypic information from populations of mixtures. The postdoc is expected to pursue internationally recognized research in computational methods for genetic evaluation such as linear mixed models, hierarchical models with random effects. We in particular welcome applicants with interest in method development for large scale genetic evaluation using dense genomic information. The position is for 2 years of employment and there are possibilities for extension up to a maximum of 4 years if the candidate is considered qualified and sufficient funding is available. The position is related to collaborative projects together with commercial breeding companies with the goal of developing methods and models that can be implemented in commercial breeding programs. The position provides excellent possibilities for access to state-of-the-art tools for simulation and for the analysis of complex genomic datasets, writing publications, and collaboration with industry partners as well as with other national and international research groups.

Qualifications

Ph.D. or equivalent in plant/animal breeding, quantitative genetics, quantitative genomics, statistics, or related fields.

Strong interest in use of stochastic models for the analysis of phenotypic and genomic data.

Dedicated to developed statistical models in modern plant breeding

Good understanding of methods used in genomic prediction.

General understanding of commercial breeding programs.

Inspiration and experience from working in a commercial breeding program will be valuable.

Good ability to conduct large-scale computations.

Documented skills in writing and publishing papers of the highest international standard.

Good skills in oral and written communication in English.

Ability to work in a large and diverse group of researchers and collaborate with national and international partners from research and industry.

Who we are:

Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG)

The institute like center, QGG, is a major center for research and education in quantitative genetics and quantitative genomics () at Aarhus University. We perform basic and applied research within livestock and plant breeding as well as human applications in precision medicine. The research within QGG is characterized by a very close synergy between method development, basic analysis, and application of the developed methods on practical problems across species in collaboration with industry partners. QGG is an international research Center with about 70 employees and visiting researchers from over 15 nations. QGG works in teams and strive for an excellent working environment. We therefore value self-leadership, open communication, respect for diversity and success in mentoring, supervision and teaching. The main work location will be the main campus close to Aarhus city center.

Place of Work

The place of work is Aarhus University, Research Center Flakkebjerg, Forsøgsvej 1,

4200 Slagelse, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the positions, please contact Associate Professor Bjarne Nielsen, +45 4140 9040, e-mail: [email protected].

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.

Formalities and salary range

Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.