Project Description:
The aim of the project is to develop, in co-operation with UMR plant genics of Le Moulon (Orsay), simulation algorithms and virtual experiments to assess the efficiency of genomic selection in a wheat-like plant for various genetic architectures of complex traits. Then a concrete application will be carried out using data from a real-size plant breeding programme conducted by INRA Plant genetics division on bread wheat. A database with yield trials is available since 2000, and DArT genotyping is planed for soon.
The project is organized in three steps. In the first one, the candidate will participate to the development and adaptation of algorithm based on the methodology developed at UMR Plant Genetics Le Moulon (supervisor A Charcosset), then to validate the virtual experiments The second step involves testing various methods of breeding value estimation (see Dekkers 2007)
In the last step computations will be made on a real dataset comprising yield and protein content measured in a multisite-multiyear trial network on the breeding material of INRA bred wheat programme and DArT genotyping (up to 5000 markers).

Team:
The candidate will be integrated in the group "management and exploitation of biodiversity" led by F Balfourier and G Charmet at the UMR INRA-UBP GDEC in Clermont-Ferrand (France) ( http://www1.clermont.inra.fr/umr1095/lang_en/team.php?id=1). He/she will work in collaboration with several researchers, graduate students and technicians. He/she will also interact with other groups involved in Genetics, Bioinformatics, particularly with the group of UMR-GV in Le Moulon (A Charcosset and L Moreau), where several stays are planed during the project.

Qualifications Required:
The candidates should have a PhD in genetics, molecular biology or plant biology and should be familiar with basic techniques in quantitative genetics. Demonstrated ability to deal with large amount of data, to develop a rigorous work as well as the will to work as part of a larger team is required. Experience in LD mapping, quantitative breeding and/or bioinformatics is necessary (not only current QTL analysis, physiology...) as well as skills in programming

The candidate MUST not be French citizen nor have a French PhD.

Salary: 1'810 Euros (2'450 $)/month after tax

Starting date: November 1st, 2009 (two years position)

Application deadline: 15 of October. Evaluation of applications will start as soon as the first applications have been received.

Application Process: Applications in English should be submitted to the address below. They should contain a CV, a statement of research interests and carrier goals and letters from two referees.

Dr. Gilles Charmet
UMR INRA-UBP
Genetique, Diversite et Ecophysiologie des Cereales
234 Avenue du Brezet
63100 Clermont-Ferrand
Email: gilles.charmet@clermont.inra.fr
Tel: 33 (0)4 73 62 43 09 or 33 (0)6 32 89 06 17