Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Genomic Prediction
Locations:
St Lucia Campus
Gatton Campus
Time Type:
Full time
Posted On:
Posted 11 Days Ago
Job Requisition ID:
R-44134
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI)
Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension
Base salary will be in the range $78,871.35 - $105,004.02 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level A)
Based primarily at our St Lucia Campus
About This Opportunity
We are looking for a motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow for a project focused on the adaptation of wheat to changing environments via the use of quantitative genetics, genomics, crop physiology, and crop modelling.
This Postdoctoral project aims at leveraging recent advances in genomic prediction (GP) to further develop, apply and validate these methodologies to disentangle genotype x environment (GxE) at the large scale of a national wheat breeding program in highly challenging and variable environments. Work will be performed in collaboration with crop physiologists, modellers, geneticists and breeders from the University of Queensland and Australian Grain Technologies (AGT), the largest wheat breeding company in Australia.
Tasks will include analysing GxE for yield and related traits in breeding trials and developing GP models with environmental co-variables or combined with the APSIM crop growth model to enhance prediction accuracy across environments. This will take place as part of a broader ARC Linkage Project with AGT, and in tight collaboration with other researchers using crop modelling to simulate breeding trials and long-term environments experienced by Australian wheat both in current and future projected climate scenarios.
Key Responsibilities
Research:
- Review and draw upon best practice research methodologies.
- Undertake analyses of an extended number of breeding and research field trials, including detailed trait investigations conducted within specialised controlled-environment and field-based facilities.
- Develop and test genomic prediction models with different environmental co-variables and using different methods for design of training data sets to enable genomic prediction.
- Enhance and test APSIM-WGP for targeted wheat breeding objectives in Australian environments.
- Work with colleagues and postgraduates in the development and application of GP and APSIM-WGP to account for trait-to-trait interactions influencing yield outcomes within environments and influencing GxE interactions and yield stability across environments.
- Produce quality research outputs consistent with discipline norms by publishing or exhibiting in high quality outlets.
- Publish scholarly papers in peer-reviewed journals.
- Present research at national and international events.
- Participate in applications for competitive research funding to support projects and activities.
- Contribute to progressing towards transfer of knowledge, technology and practices to research end users through translation.
Supervision and Researcher Development:
- Supervise students, recruit and manage employees, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts, and ensure correct remuneration and benefits.
Citizenship and Service:
- Develop partnerships, demonstrate leadership through mentoring, engage in internal service roles and committees, perform administrative functions, provide support to colleagues, and uphold university values.
This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged.
At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.
As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.
The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.
About You
Essential:
- PhD in the area of Quantitative Genetics/Genomic Prediction or a related field.
- Knowledge and experience in the area of genetics, genomics, and genotype x environment interactions.
- Ability to analyse datasets.
- Knowledge and experience in statistical analyses, with an emphasis on mixed model methodology, including Bayesian analysis methodology.
- Evidence of programming skills and proficient at working in R.
- Evidence of a contribution to research by producing quality journal articles.
- Time management skills.
- Excellent written communication in English, with an ability to clearly convey the desired message to a wide audience.
- High level of effective communication in English and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in cross-disciplinary geographically-distant teams within an academic and professional environment.
Desirable:
- Knowledge and experience in wheat or other cereals.
- Knowledge and experience in plant/crop physiology and plant/crop modelling.
- Knowledge and experience in linking genetics with plant/crop modelling.
- Knowledge and understanding in climate change impact.
- Ability to conduct high quality plant/crop physiology research.
- Experience in working with computer clusters.
- Evidence of contribution to successful external grant applications.
- Experience in liaising and collaborating with external agencies to develop co-operative research initiatives.
- Motor vehicle driver’s licence.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check etc.
Work Rights:
Visa sponsorship may be available for this appointment.
Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may be able to support you with the visa sponsorship process and/or a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Karine Chenu - karine.chenu@uq.edu.au and Prof Mark Cooper - mark.cooper@uq.edu.au
For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply?
All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Responses to the ‘About You’ section
Other Information
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.
Applications close Wednesday, 20 November 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-44134). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for late November.
