Quantitative Geneticist

**Department** Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Renewable Resources Dept

**Salary range** $59,822.00 to $74,785.00

**Hours per week** **Posted date**

**Closing date** November 4, 2024

**Position Type** Full Time - Trust Funded

**Description**:
This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement this position has an approximate appointment of three years and offers a comprehensive benefits package found at Faculty & Staff Benefits and annual salary range of $59,822 to $74,785.

**Location** - Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton.

**Working at the University of Alberta**
- The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community._

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

**Working for the **Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences**

BFF-AFIRMS, (Best Future Forest: advanced forest genomics and integrative resource management system), is a transformative initiative aimed at digitalizing forest resource management and tree improvement in Alberta, Canada.

This is a joint effort across Government of Alberta, industry partners of Tree Improvement of Alberta, University of Alberta (CA), and Oklahoma State University (USA), aiming to integrate high-throughput genotyping, predictive analytics, and decision-making support to ensure responsible stewardship of forest genetic resources in the face of climate challenges, as well as increasing demand for sustainable forest ecosystems and products.

**Position**

**Duties**
- Coordinate genomic, phenotypic, and climate data collection for associative and predictive modelling.
- Conduct SNP variable selection for pedigree reconstruction and effective population size estimation.
- Conduct genetic association to identify key genetic variants and adaptive genomic regions in white spruce and lodgepole pine populations.
- Develop and implement statistical and quantitative genetic models to optimize selection strategies, breeding/selection designs, and balancing genetic gains and diversity for the sustainability of tree improvement.
- Collaborate with the bioinformatician and database scientist to integrate genetic data into predictive models and decision support and create key metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of genomics-based tree improvement and forest resource management.
- Prepare manuscripts, reports, and extension materials, and participate in BFF-AFIRMS workshops and technology transfer activities.
- Present research results in BFF-AFIRMS weekly meetings, seminars, scientific conferences, and relevant forums.

**Qualifications**
- Ph.D. degree in Statistics, Quantitative Genetics, Plant Breeding, or a related field with a focus on associative analysis and genomic prediction.
- Strong expertise in statistical modelling, quantitative genetics, genetic mapping, genomic selection, and association analysis.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R for large-scale data analysis and modelling.
- Experience with genotyping technologies, and population genomics in plant or tree species is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with tree species or plant breeding programs is desirable, but not required.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills, team collaboration abilities, and a passion for translating genomic knowledge into practical solutions for end-users.
- Willingness (and ability) to travel between the US and Canada.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

**Note**: This opportunity will be available until midnight November 4, 2024, Edmonton, Alberta local time.