[Thèse] Haplotyping in polyploid crops using genetics, genomics and bioinformatics
We are looking for
The PhD project 'Haplotyping in polyploid crops using genetics, genomics and bioinformatics' aims at solving important questions in crops like potato, leek, rose, chrysanthemum, that have four or six copies of a genome: what is the composition (haplotype) of each of the underlying genomes, both locally (gene level) and over larger distances (chromosome level)? Can we distinguish different dosages of haplotypes? Can we characterize plants in terms of haplotype composition? Can we relate observed haplotypes to variation in phenotypic traits?
In this project, the goal is to develop statistical, genetics and bioinformatics tools for novel genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approaches for polyploid crops. The project will deliver effective strategies for haplotyping in polyploid crops, faster discovery of candidate genes and of their allelic variants for traits of interest to plant breeders. It is a collaborative initiative of the Bioinformatics and Plant Breeding chair groups at Wageningen University.
You will work in close cooperation with other PhD students and researchers involved in related projects on the development of a genetic analysis pipeline for polyploid crops and novel sequencing strategies for polyploid genomes, and you will be in contact with plant breeding companies involved in that project.
We ask
We are looking for an ambitious PhD student with an MSc Degree in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics, Biotechnology, Biology or Plant Sciences. The candidate is highly motivated to develop a scientific career and is able to perform independent research, but values collaboration with other PhD students and researchers. The candidate is fluent in English and has excellent communication, scientific writing and presentation skills. For this position in particular, the candidate should in particular demonstrate:
- appropriate knowledge of genetics, genomics, bioinformatics and statistics
- an appropriate background in biological processes and plant breeding
- a good understanding of next-generation sequencing technologies
- proficiency in the bioinformatics analysis of large genomics data sets
- proven proficiency in programming
- knowledge of and experience with statistics software
We offer
We offer the research environment of two young, dynamic and driven groups with a strong international profile and large numbers of PhD students; a state-of-the art computational infrastructure; close collaboration with other PhD students, researchers and plant breeding companies involved in analysis of genomics and genetics data; and the possibility to further develop your scientific education with courses, training, conferences. There will be opportunities to be involved in teaching at workshops or courses.
The position is full-time (38 hours/week), initially for 1 year after which a go/no-go decision will be taken on extension with another three years. The gross salary in the first year is € 2083,- per month rising to € 2664,- in the fourth year for a full-time appointment.
More information:
Dr. Chris Maliepaard, research group leader 'Quantitative aspects of Plant Breeding', Plant Breeding, Wageningen University, +31 317 480855, chris.maliepaard@wur.nl
Prof. Dr. Dick de Ridder, head of the Bioinformatics Group, Wageningen University, +31 317 484074, dick.deridder@wur.nl.
The deadline for application is September 15, 2014
Interested candidates, please apply at: