QGG Aarhus University seeks a Postdoctoral researcher in Quantitative Genetics of sustainable cattle breeding.

Aarhus University; Aarhus; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Research infrastructure

Collaborative environment

Teaching mentorship

Job summary

Aarhus University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantitative Genetics of Sustainable Cattle Breeding. The role focuses on feed- and nitrogen efficiency, resilience and methane emissions, with access to large-scale data from farm-based infrastructure and collaborations with industry.

The successful candidate will develop genetic models, perform genotype-by-environment studies, and contribute to teaching and mentoring of Master’s and PhD students, within a dynamic,

Qualifications

• PhD in quantitative genetics or animal breeding.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with scripting languages (R, Python, Julia) and genetic software.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on projects related to feed- and nitrogen efficiency, resilience, and methane.
• Develop and apply genetic models and genotype-by-environment analyses.
• Co-supervise Master’s and PhD students and assist in teaching.

Skills

Quantitative genetics

Genomic prediction

R

Python

Education

PhD in quantitative genetics/animal breeding

Tools

DMU

ASReml

Genetic software

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantitative Genetics of Sustainable Cattle Breeding

QGG Aarhus University seeks a postdoctoral researcher in quantitative genetics of sustainable cattle breeding.

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. If your research profile does not completely match the descriptions above but you have a theoretical background and are interested in developing one of the research areas mentioned, QGG would like to hear your motivation for seeking this position.

The 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

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. 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.

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.

Application deadline: Sunday 29 Nov 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Tagged as: Life Sciences