We are pleased to announce a post-doctoral position for research on swine health. The position offers ample opportunities for interactions with researchers at TOPIGS Research Center IPG, Wageningen University and an international network (ITN) that includes 12 Ph.D. studentships and 2 postdoctoral positions in 6 countries.
The position is especially suited for international candidates interested to work in the Netherlands. According to the guidelines of the funding agency, the candidate must not have spent more than 12 months in the previous 3 years as resident in The Netherlands. Short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.
The position is available immediately and the successful candidate is expected to begin the work latest by January, 2013. It is initially available for 2 years and opportunities further extension might arise.
The position is part of a EU- funded Marie-Curie training network. It is well funded with additional funds for travel. The NSH Nematode Systems Health program is aiming at a systems biology approach to integrate the information from many different disciplines into a coherent and consistent description of the host-parasite interaction to exploit genetic variation in disease resistance.
The specific tasks for this position are to:
1) Develop a multi-trait approaches for selection of more robust animals with higher disease resistance or tolerance using advancements in quantitative and molecular genetics.
2) Develop methods and tools for estimation of genetic parameters and breeding values to exploit the potential of genomic selection for large scale pig breeding programs.
Qualifications: The candidates should have a PhD in quantitative genetics or statistical genetics with at least four years of research experience. The candidate must be able to expand existing theory and translate this knowledge into analytical and predictive tools. Experience with quantitative genetics is a necessity while experience with genomics is highly appreciated. Both verbal and written English communication skills should be excellent. The candidate needs to interact actively in a large team of researchers and work in close collaboration with practical animal breeders.
The successful candidate will join the research and development group of TOPIGS Research Center IPG. The research center is located in Beuningen and has about 40 employees. The Research and Development department consists of senior researchers, post-doctoral fellows, Ph.D. students and international visiting students. There is also a large support group of health professionals and veterinarians. Strong technical and administrative departments manage large data bases with records from more than 24 million animals from 23 countries. IPG has a strong track record in publishing results of this work in peer-reviewed international journals.
Dutch-based TOPIGS is one of the biggest genetics suppliers in the world. In several countries, TOPIGS is either the market leader or one of the major suppliers. TOPIGS stands for progress in pigs. This means research, innovation and genetic improvement are the cornerstones of our company. By continuously improving our products, we enable our clients to achieve maximum results.
Interested candidates should send a letter of interest including one-page of research experience and future goals, your CV and two letters of reference to:
Egbert Knol (egbert.knol@TOPIGS.com)
Schoenaker 6
6641SZ Beuningen (NL)
