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

Center for Kvantitativ Genetik og Genomforskning; Denmark; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Kvantitativ Genetik og Genomforskning (QGG) at Aarhus University seeks a postdoctoral researcher in sustainable cattle breeding. The role focuses on feed- and nitrogen efficiency, resilience, and methane, using genomics to improve prediction models.

The successful candidate will collaborate with industry and international researchers, contribute to teaching, and co-supervise MSc and PhD students to drive the green transition in animal agriculture.

Qualifications

• Holds a PhD with strong background in quantitative genetics and/or animal breeding.
• Publishes high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with scripting languages (R/Python/Julia) and genetic software (DMU/ASReml).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on ongoing projects in feed- and nitrogen efficiency, resilience, and methane.
• Advance genetic modeling and genotype-by-environment interactions; work with OMICS data.
• Co-supervise Master’s and PhD students and contribute to teaching.

Skills

PhD in quantitative genetics or animal

Scripting (R/Python/Julia)

Genetic software (DMU/ASReml)

Data interpretation for breeding

Team collaboration

Teaching/mentoring interest

Education

PhD in quantitative genetics or animal breeding

Tools

DMU

ASReml

Job description

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

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 highperforming 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].

Formalities and salary range

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

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.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here . Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here .

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here .