Do you have a keen interest in designing computer algorithms to achieve higher performance? And do you want to pursue an Engineering Degree at one of the leading international universities in the fields of healthy food, the living environment and agriculture? Then you are the candidate we are looking for!

Information about the project:
In animal breeding, animals are selected to become parents of the next generation, based on so-called breeding values that are estimated with linear mixed models. These linear mixed models are solved using an iterative Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient (PCG) algorithm. Reducing time to compute estimated breeding values is of utmost importance. Through its implementation in animal breeding practice, the optimized PCG algorithm will contribute to sustainable agriculture.
Engineering Degree position, aims:

• to design, implement and validate deeply hardware-optimized versions of the PCG algorithm, with special focus on mixed-precision dense matrix-matrix multiplication.
• Mainstream hardware components in high-performance computing that will be considered, are Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Graphic Processing Units (GPUs).

This work will be done in close collaboration with Matthias Möller and Cornelis Vuik from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). The candidate will be based in Wageningen, but is encouraged to spent time in TU Delft.

The research is embedded within the chair Animal Breeding and Genomics (and member of the Focus Group Genomic Prediction, which is led by Dr. Mario Calus. You will be co-supervised by Dr. Jérémie Vandenplas (WUR), Dr. Matthias Möller and Prof. Cornelis Vuik (TU Delft).

• a successfully completed MSc degree in applied mathematics, computer science, or quantitative or statistical genetics with a keen interest in programming;
• Programming experience in languages such as C/C++ or Java;
• A strong interest in fundamental and applied research;
• A strong interest in statistical analysis;
• Be creative and innovative;

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

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

• 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 receive a fully funded EngD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.

The gross salary for both years is € 2.089,- per month in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale TOIO). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours.

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 17th 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.

Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.

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, 7.200 employees and 13.200 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 colleagues 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.