Postdoctoral Position in Quantitative/Population/Computational Genetics for Plant Breeding Genomic selection uses novel statistical approaches to predict phenotype and breeding value from high density marker data. There is a current need for improved computational methods in the face of increasing marker densities and observation numbers. Many directions of cutting edge research are open and with the data in hand can rapidly lead to publications:

• 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
• Develop and test methods of genomic selection that use haplotype rather than single-marker information
• Propose and simulate breeding schemes that introduce genomic selection predictions to accelerate gains from breeding The posdoc will have available extensive empirical datasets to validate results and tie them to real, rather than simulated datasets. These datasets include genotypes and phenotypes from the Barley Coordinated Agricultural Project (~3,000 SNP on ~4,000 lines with extensive phenotypes); Genomic selection validation data currently collected in barley and winter wheat programs (~1500 SNP and DArT markers on ~1000 lines including parents and progeny from the two species); ongoing genomic selection for quantitative disease resistance in barley.

To analyze these data, we are assembling and adapting methods from plant, human and livestock genetics. 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. The environment at Cornell includes nationally recognized research programs in population genetics, genomics and plant breeding, which will provide additional resources and stimulation.

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 (certain other nationalities may apply but initial employment will be delayed). An excellent postdoctoral salary will be offered. The position is for two years, extendible up to four. The position will remain open until a good candidate is 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