Postdoctoral researcher in Quantitative Genetics of sustainable cattle

Aarhus University (AU); Aarhus; On-site; DKK 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University’s Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) invites applications for a full-time two-year position starting 1 March 2027. The candidate will advance genetic modeling of feed- and nitrogen efficiency, resilience, and methane, and collaborate with industry to translate genomic predictions into practice.

The role includes teaching responsibilities at undergraduate and graduate levels, co-supervision of Master’s and PhD students, and active participation in

Qualifications

• Holds a PhD with a strong background in quantitative genetics and/or animal breeding.
• Has published high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with one or more scripting languages (R/Python/Julia) and/or genetic software (DMU/ASReml).
• Ability to biologically interpret results and relate to breeding decision making.
• Exhibits excellent teamwork and has experience collaborating across disciplines.
• Strong communication skills to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences, academia, industry and society.
• Interest in teaching and mentoring BSc, MSc and PhD students.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with industry partners on ongoing projects.
• Support teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Co-supervise Master’s and PhD students.
• Help create a collaborative work environment within and beyond QGG.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Scripting languages

Genetic software

Education

PhD in quantitative genetics/animal breeding

Tools

DMU

ASReml

R

Python

Job description

Position

The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) has a leading position in research related to breeding for sustainability related traits in dairy cattle such as feed- and nitrogen efficiency, resilience, and methane emissions. This is enabled by an ambitious farm based infrastructure with large scale measurement of methane emissions, feed intake, feed and environment parameters, productivity, and novel phenotypes on individual cows, based on collaboration with industry and international researchers. The successful candidate for these positions will join our team to further advance in the areas of feed- and nitrogen efficiency, resilience, and methane. This includes phenotype definition, genotype by environment studies, variance component estimation, and integrating novel genetically related traits using digital tools or functional genomic information or OMICS to improve genomic prediction models. The successful candidate will collaborate with industry partners, support teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, and co-supervise Master's, and PhD students. The candidate is expected to help with creating a collaborative work environment within and outside QGG that integrates novel innovative research programs towards the green transition in animal agriculture.

The position is a full-time position for a period of 2 years, starting on 1 March 2027. There are possibilities for extension to a maximum of 4 years if the candidate is considered qualified and funding is available.

Position offers you

• Contribute to ongoing projects in the area of feed- and nitrogen efficiency, resilience, and methane
• Advance the genetic modeling of these traits, including genotype by environment interactions, and OMICS
• Participate in project applications
• Collaborate with diverse group of researchers nationally and internationally
• Engage with commercial breeding organizations
• Publish high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences
• Support in teaching, and (co-)supervise BSc, MSc and PhD students – though teaching duties may be low

The ideal candidate

• Holds a PhD with a strong background in quantitative genetics and/or animal breeding
• Has published high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with one or more scripting language (e.g., R, Python, Julia) and/or genetic software (e.g., DMU, ASReml)
• Can biologically interpret results and relate to breeding decision making
• Exhibits excellent teamwork skills and has experience collaborating with scientists across different disciplines nationally and internationally
• Possesses effective communication skills and can communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, whether in academia, industry, or society.
• Shows interest in teaching and mentoring of BSc, MSc and PhD-students

Who we are

The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) is a vibrant and exciting interdisciplinary center for research and education in quantitative genetics and quantitative genomics (http://www.qgg.au.dk/en). QGG is an international organization with more than 70 employees and visiting researchers from more than 20 countries. We perform basic and applied research within plant, livestock and human quantitative genetics. Our focus areas include quantitative genetics, artificial intelligence applied to agriculture and precision medicine, population genetics, and integrative genomics. QGG is located at the central campus in Aarhus and at the AU Flakkebjerg campus in newly renovated offices with well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories, equipment, and high performing computing clusters.

Place of work

The place of work is C.F. Møllers Allé 3, Bldg. 1130, 8000 Aarhus C. The area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact information

For further information please contact Associate professor: Bingjie Li, email: [e-mail], telephone: [phone], or Tenure Track Assistant Professor Rasmus Bak Stephansen, e-mail: [e-mail], mobile: [phone].

Application Deadline

29th November 2026.

Salary

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

EEO Statement

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.