Postdocs in insect breeding for food and feed at the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, Denmark

The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University is currently seeking a motivated Postdoc to join our dynamic team and contribute to our ongoing projects on genetics and breeding of insect species for food and feed. The position is for 2 years of employment and there are possibilities for extension up to a maximum of 4 years if the candidate is considered qualified and sufficient funding is available. The position begins on 1st November 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The position
At QGG, we are expanding research on insect breeding for food and feed projection. Our ongoing projects aim to develop efficient breeding program for various insect species with current focus on black soldier fly. The primary responsibility of the selected candidate will be involved in developing tools for genetic analysis of economic important traits in insect species and designing optimum breeding plans for large- and small-scale industry settings. Working collaboratively within QGG team and with external research partners, the candidate will contribute to ongoing projects focused on insect production for alternative protein sources.
The candidate must have:

• Ph.D. degree in quantitative genetics, animal breeding, statistics, or a related field.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis of genetic data related to insect breeding and experience in developing insect breeding strategy.
• Experience with one or more scripting languages, such as R, Python, or Perl.
• Involvement in international networks engaged in research on insects for food and feed.
• A strong work ethic and the desire to become an independent researcher.
• A proven track record of scientific writing, demonstrated by journal publications.
• Desire to collaborate effectively with industry stakeholders.

Successful candidates will be expected to:

• Contribute to ongoing projects focused on genetics and breeding of insects for food and feed.
• Participate in project applications.
• Generate innovative research of international caliber on insects breeding.
• Publish high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with a diverse group of researchers both locally and internationally.
• Engage with commercial breeding organizations to leverage research outcomes.

Place of work
The place of work is the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contact information
For further information about the project or the position, please contact the Head of Section Goutam Sahana, +45 30 57 71 59.

Application procedure
Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.
Letter of reference
If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.
Formalities and salary range
Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

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.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Aarhus University
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/

Department: Kvantitativ Genetik og Genomforskn/Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics

Deadline: 01 June 2024

Location: Aarhus C C.F. Møllers Allé 3