USDA-ARS at Cornell University Postdoctoral Position in Quantitative/Population/Computational Genetics for Plant Breeding Postdoc to analyze data from the Barley Coordinated Agricultural Project. The Barley CAP is a ground-breaking effort to apply association genetics to crop improvement in US elite barley germplasm. Over 2,500 barley lines from ten breeding programs have already been genotyped at high density (~3,000 SNP) and extensively phenotyped. More data is on the way. To analyze this data, we are assembling and adapting methods from plant, human and livestock genetics. These methods include association mapping using single-marker and haplotype block methods, association-based marker imputation, genomic selection, and GxE analysis. We are a pioneering lab in many of these methods and look to train postdocs in the basics and perform research to extend the analyses. Many directions of cutting edge research are open and with the data in hand can rapidly lead to publications. The environment at Cornell includes nationally recognized research programs in population genetics, genomics and plant breeding, which will provide additional resources and stimulation.

Incumbents will work in the labs of Jean-Luc Jannink and Peter Bradbury on efforts to

• Identify and make use of haplotypes in SNP data from barley inbreds, representative of North American elite and breeding pools.
• Scale-up genomic selection methods to datasets involving possibly tens of thousands of lines and markers
• Extend genomic selection methods to better design training populations, reduce loss of genetic diversity, and capture epistatic effects
• Use extensive existing data to empirically validate genomic selection

Preferred applicants should have a Ph.D. in quantitative, population, or computational genetics; knowledge of plant breeding; proven written and spoken communication skills and ability to work collaboratively. US citizens or Green Card holders are also preferred (others may apply but initial employment will be delayed). An excellent postdoctoral salary will be offered. Positions are for two years, extendible up to four. The positions will remain open until good candidates are identified. A letter of interest in the position, C.V., and contact information for three references should be emailed to Jean-Luc Jannink and Peter Bradbury at: JeanLuc.Jannink@ars.usda.gov
Peter.Bradbury@ars.usda.gov
Official job posting at:
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=84201814