Vacancies and jobs

• Courses 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza / CIHEAM. Candidates from CIHEAM member countries (Albania, Algeria, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey) may apply for scholarships

• A two years post doctoral position is available at the INRA Animal Genetics Laboratory in Rennes, France.
  The scientist will work on a European project initiated in March 2008 through the EADGENE program, involving the different laboratories working on poultry in the INRA animal genetics department and scientists from the Roslin Institut, Uppsala University and Wageningen University.
  This project aims at studying the genetic complexity controlling different economically interesting traits in chicken (such as carcass quality and disease susceptibility). A large part of the research will be focused on QTLs interactions (epistasis).
  Qualification and experience in Quantitative Genetics, QTL detection and programming are requested. Candidates need to fill in an appliement form before July the 31th for a position beginning between Ocotber the 1st and December the 31th .
  Please contact Dr Pascale Le Roy (pascale.leroy@rennes.inra.fr)  or Dr Olivier Demeure (Olivier.demeure@rennes.inra.fr)

• Position announcements from Catapult Genetics. Product Development Manager
  The appointee will have a minimum of a post-graduate degree and 5 years post-doctoral experience in either quantitative genetics or molecular genetics with a strong data analysis component. Experience of modern analysis techniques for molecular and quantitative data will be highly regarded, particularly experience with whole genome scan data.
  The position will suit an established scientist looking to accept more responsibility in terms of project management but with an interest in maintaining linkage to hands-on research. The successful candidate will join a global team of talented and dynamic molecular and quantitative geneticists. The successful candidate will be working with research and commercial data including whole genome scans and research and implementing leading edge techniques in a variety of applications.
  The company regards attendance and presentation at International conferences and publication of relevant research results as important components of the role. The ability to work harmoniously as part of a small and dedicated team is essential.
  The appointee will be expected to have high level familiarity and experience with Office applications software as well as experience in databases and statistical analysis.
  He/she must be a team player who is committed, outcome focussed, flexible and willing to share in the team's success. He/she must be eligible to work in Australia. A remuneration package appropriate to the position and recognising the appointee's level of qualifications and experience will be negotiated.
  For further details on the position: Gerard.Davis@catapultgenetics.com 
  To submit a resume: careers@catapultgenetics.com  Quote position CG035
  (Deadline: 30 September 2008)

• The EADGENE network of excellence (www.eadgene.info) is offering an interesting postdoctoral opportunity within their Operational Genomics Work Package (WP8).
  The successful candidate will be responsible for completing and integrating the gene expression data on mastitis in cattle, goat and sheep which are being jointly produced by EADGENE and by the integrated project SABRE (www.sabre-eu.eu), and to apply meta-analysis tools. The first phase of the project has been successfully completed and has provided a broad basis of commonalities and major differences between biological systems; the current goal is to address a more complex level of data analysis by using unique genetically divergent population resources. Applicants should have a PhD, or MD with equivalent working experience, in a relevant area of animal science or molecular biology.
  In addition, candidates must have demonstrated experience in computational approaches to manipulate and analyze large genetic and molecular datasets. Previous experience with microarray data and familiarity with the related software resources is an advantage. Strong writing and communication skills, ability to collaborative work, creativity and self motivation as a scientist are highly desirable.
  The position is based at PTP (Livestock Genomics I Group - http://en.tecnoparco.org/Default.aspx?tabid=69). The project will be carried out in collaboration with other EADGENE partners, in particular with the Roslin Institute (www.roslin.ac.uk), thus the availability to travel extensively abroad for project collaborations and training periods is essential. The position is available immediately. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
  Interested applicants should send (preferably by e-mail) a letter of interest, a CV, including the names of 3 references, and any additional material to
  Elisabetta Giuffra elisabetta.giuffra@tecnoparco.org  Livestock Genomics I; Parco Tecnologico Padano Via A. Einstein, 26900 Lodi - Italy Tel. +39.0371.4662321;
  (Deadline: 30 September 2008)

• The Unit of Animal Genomics seeks applications for post-doctoral fellows, as well as a project manager & accountant. The corresponding information is available here.
  We would be very grateful if you could circulate this information amongst your colleagues and laboratory members.
  Michel Georges
  Unit of Animal Genomics
  GIGA-R & Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
  University of Liège (B34 - Tour GIGA)
  1 Avenue de l'Hô ital
  4000-Liège. Tel: +32-4-366.41.51. Fax: +32-4-366.41.98. michel.georges@ulg.ac.be 
  www.fmv.ulg.ac.be/genmol/Deartment/Molecular_Genetics/Molecular_Genetics.htm
  (Deadline: 30 September 2008)

• 9 PhD positions in animal science are available at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aarhus University. The following projects are concerned:
  - Elimination of boar taint through fermentable fibre-rich feed - chicory, lupine
  - Milk proteomics: Prediction of technological and nutritional quality. Part of the "Milk Genomics Initiative"
  - The Intelligent Farrowing Pen: Algorithms for prediction and warning
  - The thermal need of neonatal piglets
  - Behavioural models to monitor and manage growing pigs
  - Optimising milk fat composition for human health - Mammary conversion of fatty acids
  - LC-MS based metabonomics as a tool to elucidate changes in biochemical profile of biofluids after consumption of diets with contrasting dietary fibre composition
  - Indentification of bioactive compounds in Fusarium graminearum
   Characterizing healthiness in relation to recovery from a desease episode: A study focusing on mastitis in dairy cows.
  You can read about the individual PhD projects here. You can read the full job advertisement, covering 17 PhD positions in both engineering, agricultural and natural sciences here.
  (20 October 2008)

• PhD Project - Effects of the sanitary condition on nutrition, growth, and heterogeneity in pig breeding
  UMR1079 (INRA / Agrocampus Rennes) Systèmes d'élevage nutrition animale et humaine (SENAH, Saint-Gilles, France
  Contacts
  Lucile Montagne, e.mail : montagne@agrocampus-rennes.fr
  Jaap van Milgen, e.mail : jaap.vanmilgen@rennes.inra.fr
  The degradation of the sanitary condition of breeding has an impact of both technical and economical results. This increase feed cost and environmental waste. Depressed sanitary condition can affect the ingestion, digestion and metabolism of pigs. The PhD project aims to 1) quantify the effect of the sanitary status on animal performance and variability between animals from birth to slaughter and 2) to precise the nutritional mechanisms that explain these effects.
  The steps of the project are the following.
  1. Meta-analysis of literature data and from experimental breeding in order to quantify the effect of the sanitary status on voluntary feed intake, animal performances (reflecting digestion and metabolism) and feed efficiency.
  This step will be realised in collaboration with Pr Paulo Lovatto (University Santa Maria, Brasil)
  2. In vivo experimentation using a model depressing the sanitary conditions of environment permitting to measure the individual animal performances and to study digestion and metabolism.
  3. Simulation using the model InraPorc® in order to test hypothesis and try to predict the growth of animals breed in depressed sanitary conditions of environment.
  Salary
  Net pay: 1 400 euros per month
  Localisation
  Rennes, Brittanny (North West of France, 400 kms = 2 hours train from Paris)
  (Deadline: November 2008)

• The position as leader of NordGen-Farm Animals is open for recruitment. The position is located at The Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute. More information here

• A Research Geneticist (Animal) position is available at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Clay Center Nebraska. This position will emphasize estimating pedigree, QTL, and SNP associated genetic variation of traits important for swine production. This research will be done as part of a team that has developed and continues to develop genotyped and phenotyped swine resource populations. Related research is being performed by cattle and sheep researchers located at the Center. Cross-disciplinary research to address important aspects of swine production is encouraged. This is a permanent position requiring U.S. citizenship and has a salary range of $65,315 - 100,976 (GS12/13). For application details, please search the USAJOBS website http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/ for announcement # ARS-X8W-0293. Applications can be made through October 13, 2008. ARS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
  More info: Gary L. Bennett Research Leader, Genetics & Breeding Unit USDA, ARS, US
  Meat Animal Research Center Clay Center, NE 68933-0166
  Phone: 402-762-4254 E-mail: Gary.Bennett@ars.usda.gov Home page:www.usmarc.usda.gov
  (Deadline: Nov. 2008)

• A postdoc position is available at INSERM in development of statistical tools to model and analyze the relationships between phenotypic and genetic data for dissecting the genetic etiology of human complex traits. Statistical association methods will be conducted for quantitative and qualitative traits.
  The work will be conducted in the Genetic Epidemiology group of the INSERM U563 Research Unit (Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse). The position is for 2 years and must start no later than January 2009. It is funded by the ANR. Gross salary per month depends on experience and skills, but as a rough indication for the starting net salary is ~23K Euros per year.
  The candidate is expected to have a solid training (e.g., PhD) in quantitative genetics or in statistics with a strong interest in quantitative genetics and biology. Knowledge of population genetics will be helpful. The candidate is also expected to have a good background in informatics (Linux, Unix,..) and programming (e.g., perl, R, C++/pascal/fortran).
  For further inquiries, please contact Maria Martinez (email: maria.martinez@inserm.fr), ideally before November 30, 2008, with a CV, the names of three references who may be contacted for further information and an informal letter explaining your motivation for this position/work.
  (Deadline: 30 November 2008)

• ‘The Consortium for Experimentation, Dissemination and Application of Innovative Biotechniques’ (ConSDABI), specialised organisation for research in the livestock sector with center in Benevento, Locality Piano Cappelle, intends to confer an assignment of Scientific General Manager through a selection between experts with high qualifications and scientific experience in the sectors of molecular Biology and omic Sciences, with proven professional experience in the management of research structures. At least a good knowledge of the English language is requested (written/spoken). The job relationship will be regulated by a four-year private sector contract, renewable only once. The Scientific General Manager will be responsible for the technical-scientific and organisational management of the Consortium and he will report directly to the President of the Consortium. Those interested can send to the indicated address, within the 30th November 2008, a curriculum vitae including every element useful to the appraisal of the candidate. Indication of the actual annual remuneration will be appreciated.
  The address is: ConSDABI, Località Piano Cappelle, 82100 Benevento – Italy; www.consdabi.org; e-mail: consdabi@consdabi.org
  (Deadline: 30 November 2008)

• Research Geneticist (Cattle). Gembloux Agricultural University (FUSAGx) is looking urgently for a research geneticist in cattle. Primary tasks will include research and development for an all new international genetic evaluation system for milk production traits for Dual-Purpose Belgian Blue cattle combining data from France and Belgium. Given the specificities, the developed model will include advanced features as allowing the use of crossbreds and, eventually, the inclusion of molecular or genomic data.
  
  Salary Range: 1800-2000 Euros per Month (according to qualification) + all usual Belgian social security benefits.
  
  Additional information on Gembloux Agricultural University (FUSAGx), a 148 year old institution situated in Gembloux, in the French-speaking part of Belgium (Europe) between Namur (20 km) and Brussels (45 km), is available under http://www.frs-fnrs-mobility.be/mc/fusagx2.htm.
  
  For application information, please contact
  Nicolas Gengler
  e-mail: gengler.n@fsagx.ac.be
   

• Population Geneticist/Bioinformatician to cooperate in an international project to infer population genetic parameters from next generation sequencing (NGS) porcine data.
  In addition, the incumbent will carry out coalescence and forward simulations of NGS data to study the performance of different inference approaches under diverse demographic and selective scenarios. Desired capabilities are good programming skills in a script language (Perl preferably) and C/C++ or similar, and ability to work as a team member.
  The position is available initially for one year with gross salary 2300 - 2500 euros / month. Desired starting date is January 2009. The work location is at Veterinary School in Barcelona, within a highly dynamic team with strong population, statistical and molecular genetics skills. Interested persons submit CV, list of research interests and emails of at least 2 researchers to miguel.perez<at>uab.es and sebastian.ramos<at>uab.es.
  (Deadline: December 2008)

• The Institute of Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics of Hohenheim University offers a Junior Researcher Position within the project “Improving Lamb Meat and Milk Production for Fat-Tail Sheep of the Middle East through Breeding” comprising research sites in Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Jordan and Germany. Salary is payed according to the German public employment scale (13 TV-L (50%), gross salary approx. 26.000€). The position is restricted initially to 1.5 years based in Germany and includes several months of field work stay in Israel in collaboration with the Volcani Center. Provided the continuation of funding, the position will be extended for another 2 years. Enrollment in the PhD programme of Hohenheim University is envisaged.
  The candidate will form part of our multi-national research team. Major part of the own field work will be carried out in Bedouin flocks in the Negev desert and includes sociological research methods. The results of comparison of different genetic groups under different farming conditions with regard to natural, socio-cultural and economic conditions will be used as input parameters for modelling. Adaptation and adoption potential of breed groups as well as breeding costs are going to be considered, too.
  The successful candidate is open minded and has a strong background in animal breeding and biometrics and basic knowlede of sociological research methods. Modelling experience in regard to breeding programs and bio-economic evaluation would be an asset. S/he has the capability to work in a mutual dialogue and on equal terms with farmers / livestock keepers and other stakeholders, as well as in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment. S/he possesses a M.Sc. degree (or M.Sc. equivalent) in agriculture or a related discipline and is fluent in spoken and written English. Fluent knowledge of Arabic is essential and of Hebrew would be advantageous.
  Interested candidates should send a letter of application, CV, copies of university certificates (B.Sc. and M.S.c.), English language proficiency proof, names of two referees, and, if available, copies of references about previous occupations and a list of publications to:
  Prof. Dr. Anne Valle Zárate, Institute of Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, Universität Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart
  Further information can be obstained and electronic applications should be sent to: inst480a@uni-hohenheim.de (secretary Mrs. Dominique Keller) pherold@uni-hohenheim.de (Dr. Pera Herold)
  (Deadline: December 2008)

• MTT Agrifood Research Finland has a vacancy for Principal Research Scientist with permanent appointment leading and generating research projects addressing use of genomic tools for farm animal populations. The research will encompass the utilisation of new high-throughput DNA marker sets for improved knowledge and management of genetic variation and development of selection programmes. It will be part of the new research programmes (e.g. Sustainable use of genetic resources) at MTT and will exploit the close collaboration with animal biometrical genetics and genomics at MTT.
  For further information see www.mtt.fi/english/ or contact Professor Asko Maki-Tanila (e-mail Asko.Maki-Tanila@mtt.fi; phone +358 3 4188 3601 or +358 40 755 2339).
  The successful candidate should have PhD in animal breeding and genetics or in a closely related field and scientific competence on high international level within population genetics and genomics. In the appointment, importance is attached to ability to attract external funding and generate international collaboration and to skills of leading research projects.
  Please, send your application, addressed to 'Eeva-Liisa Ryhanen, Head of Biotechnology and Food Research' before 7 October to: MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Kirjaamo, 31600 Jokioinen, Finland or to e-mail: kirjaamo@mtt.fi. MTT applies individual salary negotiations.
  (Deadline: December 2008)

• Post-doctoral position in sequence capture for targeted sequencing of genomic regions of interest: development in test studies in animal genomics INRA Centre de Ressources Biologiques pour la Génomique des Animaux Domestiques et d'Intérêt Economique (CRB GADIE) LREG, Département de Génétique Animale Jouy en Josas
  A 2 year-post-doctoral position funded by the ANR is currently available at the INRA platform CRB GADIE, to work on the capture of DNA sequences for selected sequencing applied to animal genomics. The position is aimed at both non-French and French scientists and will start on January 1st 2009.
  The candidate should have a background in Genomics and be interested in new technology development. Double skill in Biology and Bioinformatics will be appreciated.
  The net salary is in the order of 21700 Euros per year.
  Applications including a CV, a letter of intent, a summary of previous research experience and the names of three references should be sent to: Karine Hugot, Ph.D INRA CRB GADIE, LREG Domaine de Vilvert 78352 Jouy en Josas Tel.:33.(0)1.34.65.29.14 Email: karine.hugot@jouy.inra.fr
  (Deadline: December 2008)

• We seek an ambitious candidate with an interest in statistical or quantitative genetics and its application to animal breeding. You will have a modest teaching load (about 20 30% of your working time), and you will be expected to supervise PhD students and publish in international (refereed) journals. We offer a stimulating and friendly working environment where you are expected to contribute to increasing our understanding of the role and sustainable use of genetic variation in farm and companion animals.
  
  Requirements
  University Graduate
  The ideal candidate:
  Has completed a PhD in the field of quantitative genetics, statistical genetics or animal breeding.
  Has published in internationally refereed scientific journals.
  Has a broad knowledge of both quantitative genetics and statistical
  methods and techniques.
  Is an enthusiastic teacher, who likes to teach and supervise
  (international) students in a broad range of species.
  Appreciates an international environment.
  Is fluent in English and willing to learn the Dutch language.
  
  Organization
  Animal Breeding and Genomics centre, Wageningen University The Animal Breeding and Genomics centre (ABGC) at Wageningen University .
  
  Conditions of employment
  Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 4000 4500
  Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
  Duration of the contract: 5 year
  Maximum hours per week: 38
  We offer a full time position as an assistant professor for a period of two years.Continuation of the appointment for another 3 years will be based on performance evaluation. A full time employment corresponds to 38 hours per week. A part time position of 0.8 Fte is negotiable. The monthly salary depends on your work experience.
  Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
  Prof.dr.ir. Johan A.M. van Arendonk; telephone number: +31 317 482335; e-mail: johan.vanarendonk@wur.nl
  (Deadline: January 2008)

• MTT Agrifood Research Finland has a vacancy for Principal Research Scientist with a permanent position as a leader of research projects in modelling genomic data and developing methods to utilize genomic data for improving quality of farm animal products. Research will target on meat quality, health, fertility, and feed efficiency traits of pigs. Developed methods will be applied to other farm animal species as well. The research projects are part of MTT's new research program Well-being from diet an d research will be conducted in close cooperation with MTT's research gro ups working on animal genomics, animal production, and on food research with a focus in developing nutritional recommendations for humans.
  The successful candidate will join in the Biometrical Genetics group of Biotechnology and Food Research at MTT For further information see www.mtt.fi/english/ or contact research manager Dr. Esa Mäntysaari (email: Esa.Mantysaari@mtt.fi; mobile +358 4 0 510 6013) or group leader Dr. Martin Lidauer (email: Martin.Lidauer@mtt.fi; phone: +358-3-41883604).
  The successful candidate should have a postgraduate degree in animal breeding and genetics or in bioinformatics or statistics. Experiences with statistical methods (e.g. Bayesian analysis) applied to genotypic data are desired. A comprehensive understanding of farm animal biology is beneficial.
  Please send your application, addressed to "Eeva-Liisa Ryhänen, Head of Biotechnology and Food Research", before 14th of October 2008 to: MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Kirjaamo, 31600 Jokioinen, Finland, or to kirjaamo@mtt.fi. MTT applies individual salary negotiations.
  (Deadline: January 2008)