Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biometrics & Quantitative Genetics for Public Breeding

The University of Edinburgh; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biometrics and Quantitative Genetics at the Roslin Institute. The role focuses on developing analytical decision-support tools that integrate quantitative genetic modelling, AI, and simulations to support breeding decisions in global crop programmes.

You will work with large-scale phenotypic, genomic, environmental and grower data, contribute to open-source software, and collaborate with international CGIAR

Responsibilities

• Develop analytical decision-support tools using quantitative genetics, AI and genetic simulations.
• Work with large-scale phenotypic, genomic, environmental and grower survey data to inform breeding decisions.
• Collaborate with CGIAR partners through visits, workshops and training activities.

Job description

Grade UE07: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum

The Roslin Institute / CMVM

Full Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: for 18 months, there may be the opportunity to extend to 30 months tbc

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biometrics and Quantitative Genetics for the recently established TEAM-AI project: Tools for Evaluating and Advancing Meaningful AI Adoption in Public Breeding Programmes, a global partnership between the Roslin Institute and CGIAR, including CIMMYT and National Agricultural Research Systems (NARES). In this role, you will develop an analytical decision-support tool that integrates quantitative genetic modelling, artificial intelligence, and genetic simulations to support breeding decisions across diverse crop improvement programmes in the Global South. Working with large-scale phenotypic, genomic, environmental and grower survey datasets, you will develop innovative methods and open-source software to accelerate meaningful impact for growers.

Join TEAM-AI to translate cutting-edge analytics into practical solutions for global food security.

TEAM-AI aims to ensure that advances in AI and data science deliver meaningful benefits for public breeding programmes and the farmers they target. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine expertise in biometrics, quantitative genetics and software development to address real-world challenges in agriculture. Working closely with CGIAR and NARES partners through collaborative visits, workshops and training activities, you will gain experience with public breeding programmes operating across diverse environments. The resulting tools and resources will be deployed across CGIAR and NARES programmes, helping breeders make more informed and representative decisions, accelerate crop improvement, and strengthen food security and climate resilience across the Global South.

The successful candidate will join the Biometrics for Breeding Group at Roslin, who develop statistical and quantitative genetic methods for improving the productivity and sustainability of breeding programmes amid a changing climate. We offer exciting opportunities to build an international network spanning academia, industry and public breeding programmes, while contributing to capacity building in AI-enabled breeding at Roslin and expanding our suite of data-driven breeding resources and tools.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week) on-campus working; however, we are open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 1 October 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interviews will be held shortly after application closing date and short listing.