Do you want to use as researcher your expertise in analyses of whole genome sequences to contribute to research to identify functional genetic variants in pigs to improve genomic selection? Do you want to work together with national and international breeding organisations? We have an interesting Postdoc position for you at Wageningen University & Research.

The postdoc will be employed at the NWO funded project 'Identification of functional genetic variants in pigs for improved genomic selection'. The project is a public private partnership project in collaboration with the pig breeding company Topigs Norsvin.

Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics comprises almost 100 employees, including professors, lecturers, senior and junior scientists, post-docs, PhD students and support staff. We perform research in quantitative genetics, genomics, breeding programs and genetic diversity, across the major livestock species and fish. Many of the research projects are undertaken in close collaboration with the breeding industry, for a large part under the umbrella of Breed4Food.

We are looking for
We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher, with a clear interest in bioinformatics, animal breeding and genomics. The project addresses fundamental questions related to variation in gene expression and how such variations affect phenotypic variation. Key to the approach is the identification of gene expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) at high resolution. These will be combined with genome wide epigenetic data to identify the most likely underlying regulatory variants using a support vector machine (SVM) based computational method. Experience with handling large phenotypic and genomic datasets and an interest in computational biology is a prerequisite.

Candidates should have a PhD in one of the following subjects: genomics, evolutionary genetics or bioinformatics with strong emphasis on the biological interpretation of data. The candidate should have a strong track record as a PhD student and/or postdoc and show a keen and independent intellect. Establish and maintain good working relationships with key stakeholders and research collaborators to ensure relevance and quality of research outputs.

Further preferred skills:

• Be able to handle large data sets (Bioinformatics skills, scripting);
• Interest in quantitative genetic concepts (such as GWAS);
• Expertise in analyses of whole genome sequence, RNAseq and SNP genotype data;
• Good organizational and excellent communication skills (both spoken and written in English);
• Ability to work in a team of diverse scientists and multidisciplinary teams;
• Scientific track record with publications;
• Be creative and innovative.

The position is available within Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, that combines the activities of Wageningen Livestock Research and Wageningen University in the field of animal breeding and genomics. This also includes close collaboration with the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands. The candidates will be employed at Wageningen University, location Wageningen.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between €2.836,- and €5.211, for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10 and 11).

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the "Best University" in the Netherlands for the 16th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University and Research is "To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life". Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With its roughly 30 branches, 6.800 employees and 12.900 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen's unique approach. WUR has been named Best Employer in the Education category for 2019-2020.

Read the 5 reasons why your future collaegues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.