A post-doctoral fellow (PDF) position is available at Livestock Gentec, the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, working with a team of researchers to develop and improve genomic prediction tools on beef cattle growth, feed efficiency, carcass merit, and fertility traits and to implement genomic tools to enhance beef cattle production efficiency and quality. Researchers at Livestock Gentec have consolidated large beef cattle data sets for phenotype (n>13,000), genotype (50K, GGP100K, or HD on n>13,000), transcriptome and metabolites on a subset of the cattle, which provides excellent opportunities to elucidate genetic control of economically relevant traits and to develop genomic tools that incorporate multi-layers of “omics” data.
Major research responsibilities include: (1) Work with the existing team (principal investigators, co-investigators, research associates, PDF, research technicians, graduate students from multiple institutions including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and University of Alberta) to consolidate additional beef cattle multi-layer “omics” data from on-going research projects and to assist with the development and maintenance of large databases; (2) Adapt and implement a range of methodologies for genetic/genomic analyses of beef cattle data relevant to multiple traits (growth, feed efficiency, carcass merit, and fertility traits) and multiple “omics” data; (3) Refine genetic/genomic methods to improve genomic prediction accuracy for these traits; (4) Provide genomic profiles (genomic breed composition, molecular breeding values, and multiple trait selection indexes) for beef cattle submitted by beef producers partnering in demonstration projects; (5) Assist with mentoring of graduate students and teaching of genetic/genomic courses; (6) Conduct appropriate outreach and technology transfer in concert with other members of the research team.
Qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD degree from a recognized university in the area of Quantitative Genetics and/or Statistical Genomics or Bioinformatics within 5 years. Familiarity with Beef Cattle Production Systems is an asset. Candidates must have a good understanding of the theoretical and computational principles related to the analyses of quantitative and molecular data for the purpose of genetic analyses and genomic prediction. Candidates must also demonstrate skills and work experience in computer programming, preferably in C, C++, ASreml, SAS, R or Perl, to develop customized programs for genetic analyses and genomic prediction. The ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with colleagues in research is essential. Previous experience working with cattle is desirable. Knowledge and experience working with large databases are a definite asset.
Applicants: For more information, or to apply, please send a cover letter, statement of research interests, updated CV, and the names of references, to either Dr. Changxi Li, changxi.li@ualberta.ca, or Dr. Graham Plastow, plastow@ualberta.ca. This is a two-year position with a great opportunity of renewal. The target start date is September 1, 2022.