Genome-based phenotype prediction in livestock (Dummerstorf, Germany)

The Institute of Genetics and Biometry (Department Biomathematics/Bioinformatics) is offering the position of a Doctoral Student starting on December 1st 2014, until September 30th 2016 (fixed end date). The position is remunerated at TV-L E 13 (50%) level.

Tasks:
Contribution to the Junior Scientist Group “Improving the genome-based phenotype prediction† and own qualification (doctoral degree). In livestock, e.g. cattle and pig, current statistical approaches involve extensive molecular data to reach an improved trait prediction. The objective of our project is to additionally consider dependencies on the level of genome, which are due to the linkage of chromosome segments, for the phenotype prediction. For this purpose, high-dimensional molecular data will be characterised, correlations on this data level will be derived for a given population structure and included in statistical modelling. This approach will further contribute to the understanding of the genetic architecture of performance or health traits by identifying and specifying genome segments with impact on such a trait.

Requirements:
- University degree in biomathematics, agricultural science (main subject animal or plant breeding) or neighbouring life science disciplines with statistical education
- Knowledge about the theory of linear and mixed models
- Programming skills (e.g. R, MATLAB, C, Fortran)
- Familiarity with molecular-genetical data (e.g. SNP) and their application in statistical modelling
- Fluency in spoken and written English
- Self-initiative, teamwork skills and independent working style in this interdisciplinary research approach

The selection process starts in December 2014 and will continue until the position is filled.

Dörte Wittenburg
wittenburg@fbn-dummerstorf.de
Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology
Dummerstorf, Germany