Vacancies

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Topic: Connecting haplotype sequence and QTL effects in polyploid crops

Duties

This position will build on recent advances in genetic mapping software to estimate haplotype effects in diallel populations of autopolyploid crops, such as potato. As diallel mating designs are commonly used in plant breeding, these tools facilitate an integrated approach to discovery research and variety development. One of the current limitations is connecting the statistical QTL estimates to haplotype sequence data. The postdoc will compare the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of different sequencing strategies and computational tools for estimating haplotype sequence in polyploids. The postdoc will leverage this knowledge to improve selection in the UW-Madison potato breeding program.  The research is part of an international project on “Tools for Genomics-Assisted Breeding in Polyploids,” funded by the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI).

Requirements

  • A PhD in genetics, plant breeding, computational biology, or related discipline
  • Skilled in data science and writing scripts
  • Effective at written and oral communication
  • Preferred: Experience with the analysis of next-generation sequencing data

How to Apply

Send a cover letter, resume with contact information for 2 references, and 2 first-author manuscripts (preprints acceptable) to Dr. Jeffrey Endelman (endelman@wisc.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Start Date: Winter or Spring 2021.

Salary: $51,000 minimum