Quantitative Genomics Scientist

Sugar Research Australia Ltd.; Australia; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Sugar Research Australia Ltd. is seeking a Quantitative Genomics Scientist to drive genomics-driven computational breeding, integrating high-dimensional genomic and phenotypic data to inform selection decisions across the breeding pipeline.

You will build reproducible analysis pipelines in R and Python, translate multi-omics findings into trait predictions, crossing strategies, and simulations, and contribute to crop improvement programs in sugarcane or polyploid crops.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in a quantitative field related to genetics or breeding.
• 3+ years postdoc/industry experience in quantitative genetics, genomics or computational biology.
• Experience translating computational findings into breeding outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy genomics-driven computational breeding pipelines.
• Translate multi-omics data into trait prediction models, crossing strategies and simulations.
• Collaborate with breeding programs to apply computational results to practical decisions.
• Build reproducible analytical pipelines using R and Python.

Skills

R/Python

Genomics data handling

Statistical modelling

Education

Ph.D. in Quantitative Genetics / Plant Breeding / Genomics

Job description

• Exciting opportunity in computational plant breeding and quantitative genomics
• High-impact research role translating data into applied breeding decisions
• Meringa location (nearby to Cairns) – flexibility to work from other SRA sites

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Quantitative Genomics Scientist will drive the development and deployment of genomics-driven computational breeding, integrating high-dimensional genomic and phenotypic information through advanced statistical methods to translate multi-omics data into trait prediction models, crossing strategies, and simulations that inform breeding decisions across the pipeline.

YOUR REQUIREMENTS

You will bring with you the following qualifications, capabilities and experience:

Essential

• Ph.D. in Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, Bioinformatics, Genomics, or related field.
• 3+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience in quantitative genetics, genomics, computational biology, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in working in crop improvement programs and translating computational findings to applied breeding outcomes.
• Proven track record in handling large-scale high-throughput genomic and phenotypic datasets.
• Advanced proficiency in building reproducible statistical and analytical pipelines using R/Python.
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals.

Desirable

• Relevant research experience in sugarcane or other polyploid crops.
• Experience with multi-omics data integration and machine learning frameworks.
• Familiarity with crossing simulation, mate allocation, or breeding program optimisation software.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please note this is a permanent role and some intra- and inter-state travel may be required.