Postdoc position in genomic selection for potato

Department of Plant Breeding
SLU Department of Plant Breeding performs research and education addressing global challenges affecting our livelihoods and the environment. The Plant breeding division works on putting traits into usable forms by understanding their diversity and genetics with the aid of advanced breeding tools. We apply this knowledge for the genetic betterment of cultivars of economically important crops. This 2-year position is funded by grants from Formas –a government research council for sustainable development– and SLU.
Duties:
You will assist on ongoing Svensk potatisförädling research (which include field trials, plus laboratory and greenhouse work), record field data using advanced phenotyping methods, analyze genotypic and phenotypic datasets and apply biometric approaches to study genotype by environment interactions for tuber (yield and quality) and host plant resistance traits in potato grown in Sweden (Skåne and Umeå), develop genomic selection models for the traits and cross-validate them. The genetic material to be used in the project include EU cultivars (including some Nordic germplasm) and breeding material from Svensk potatisförädling. You will thus have the unique opportunity to be involved in a project in close collaboration with other potato breeders and thus gain first-hand experience of benefits and limitations of genomic selection in a real-world case study. You will have the possibility to develop new connections with many researchers and stakeholders through various seminars and events organized by SLU.

Qualifications:
As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates who obtained a doctoral degree within the last three years from the deadline of this job posting. For this position, you must have a research focus in plant breeding, genetics, quantitative genetics, bioinformatics, biometrics or similar. You should have documented experience in developing genetic markers for breeding. You should have contributed to research through publications in peer reviewed international journals. Prior experience with genomic selection is a merit. You should have the ability to work independently as well as in a team. You should be motivated, highly interested in plant breeding and have excellent English language skills (both oral and written).

Place of work:
Alnarp

Form of employment:
Temporary employment, 2 years (postdoc agreement)

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
According to agreement but beginning [latest] on 4th January 2021 and ending on 31st December 2022

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2020-08-14, use the button below.

Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview. If the applicant is a foreign citizen, we require a certified copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and photograph.

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.

www.slu.se

SLU is an equal opportunity employer.