Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Quantitative Genetics and Genomics programme. The position is available from 01 April 2026 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.
Title
PhD in Quantitative Genetics: Genetic evaluation of cultivar mixtures integrating genomic information and soil microbiome interactions in winter wheat
Research area and project description
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to develop new models for predicting genetic performance of wheat lines in cultivar mixtures and to identify the interaction between host (wheat cultivar) genotypes and soil microbiome recordings.
Plant breeding is about the combinations of mathematics, genetics and biology. Genetic progress through breeding often relies on sophisticated statistical models that describe genetic and environmental factors of complex traits in populations of diverse individuals. Thus, fundamental mathematical background is important to understand, and potentially to develop, methods and tools in plant breeding and in genomics area. This project aims to take a groundbreaking approach by not only estimating genetic effects based on recording of pure wheat lines but also by including mixture lines recordings and soil microbiome profiles, aiming at the development of wheat lines that are more resilient and robust to management practices, pests and diseases, and climate extremes.
The PhD project focuses on modelling of quantitative genetics in plant sciences where new statistical models need to be developed to disentangle the genetic and environmental (GxE) effects on traits recorded in pure cultivars as well as in cultivar mixtures, for developing a breeding program for cultivar mixtures. Later in the study we will focus on interactions between host (cultivar) genotypes and soil microbiome. The research involves:
- Development of new statistical models for predicting genetic performance of winter wheat lines in cultivar mixtures
- Evaluation of developed genetic model for cultivars on wheat data
- Link between cultivar genotypes and associated microbiomes
Research Group: You will join the Plant Genetics group, at the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG). The group and center foster a dynamic, inclusive and multidisciplinary environment. Your research will take place at Aarhus University; a prestigious institution located at Flakkebjerg close to Slagelse. This project will be conducted in collaboration with Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University, and NordicSeed.
Selection Process: Candidates will be evaluated based on their CV, motivation statement, and reference letters. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (online or in person).
Why Apply?
- Be dedicated to developed statistical models in modern plant breeding
- Be at the front of integrating statistic and genetic
- Lead original fundamental research on unknown aspects of plant breeding
- Work in a collaborative and supportive research environment
- Gain experience with cutting-edge technologies applied to research
Project description
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in the application.
Qualifications and specific competences
Applicants to the PhD position must have a relevant master’s degree (120 ECTS) or at least one year of a master’s degree in engineering, statistic or experimental science (e.g., biology, experimental physics, etc.). Having experience in plant breeding or similar will be a plus.
Other requirements:
- Have experience in developing advanced statistical models for data analysis
- Have advanced mathematical and programming skills (in particular, experience working with scientific languages, e.g. R or SAS)
- Be familiar with data analysis of biological systems
- Have a strong interest and motivation to study genetics.
- Possess advanced collaborative and interpersonal skills
- Be fluent in English (written and spoken)
Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Forsøgsvej 1, 4200 Slagelse, Denmark.
Contacts
Applicants seeking further information regarding the PhD position are invited to contact:
- Bjarne Nielsen, bjarne@qgg.au.dk (main supervisor)
- Emre Karaman, emre@qgg.au.dk (co-supervisor)
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide. If answers cannot be found there, please contact:
How to apply:
Please follow this link to submit your application.
Application deadline is 01 December 2025 at 23:59 CET.
Preferred starting date is 01 April 2026.
Please note:
- Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be taken into account.
- The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
- Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Slagelse Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Aarhus Universitet, Forsøgsvej, 4200 Slagelse
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 19-11-2025;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/efd96962-b55f-440e-9bd6-66cc2cd593d7
