Postdoctoral Fellowships in Quantitative Genetics for Crop Improvement

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia

Updated: 2 months ago
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

The lab of Professor Jesse Poland in the Center for Desert Agriculture (cda.kaust.edu.sa ) at KAUST has openings for postdoctoral fellowships in quantitative genetics for crop improvement.  The Poland Lab is developing extensive genomic resources for important crops and novel species, including extensive whole genomic sequencing resources, with the objective to utilize whole-genome information for genomic prediction and genomics-assisted breeding.  The position(s) are fully funded (2-3 years) including salary and benefits, with possibility for extension, as well as generous project funding for the research.

The Plant Breeding and Genomics group at KAUST offers an excellent interdisciplinary environment utilizing state-of-the-art genomic technologies, while working across multinational teams.  The specific projects for which we seek postdoctoral fellow(s) in quantitative genetics will be focused on major crops as well as novel species with potential for neo-domestication.  These projects include, but are not limited to:

  • development of improved genomic prediction models using whole-genome sequence data with international collaborators to enable genomic selection in multiple different crops including wheat, intermediate wheatgrass, and date palm. 
  • application of genomic selection in wheat for in-season prediction models to support the decision making of breeders. 
  • implementation of genomics-assisted breeding in minor crops and new species to accelerate breeding through the implementation of state-of-the-art genomics and solid fundamental breeding

    • The Poland Lab and CDA are embedded in BESE division (bese.kaust.edu.sa ), which extends and supports a multi-disciplinary work environment.  Extensive core laboratories (corelabs.kaust.edu.sa ) at KAUST also provide access to the most recent equipment such as imaging, sequencing, and single-cell genomics.

    We seek highly motivated individuals that are energetic, determined, well-organized, self-motivated, and independent.  Successful candidates will have a well-developed ability and the appropriate temperament to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.  We value critical thinking, open-mined scientists that can creatively solve scientific problems, and have a strong work ethic, integrity, and professionalism.

    Other information:
    The starting date is flexible. Please indicate your availability. The position is initially limited to 3 years but can be extended.

    Please submit your application documents in full (cover letter, CV, certificates, publication list, references, etc.) online by using Interfolio. Only applications through Interfolio will be considered.

    For full consideration, please submit application by November 30th, 2022.  Positions remain open until filled.

    King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST ) in Saudi Arabia, on the Red Sea coastal area of Thuwal, is an international graduate-level research university dedicated to inspiring a new age of scientific achievement that will benefit the region and the world. As an independent and merit-based institution and one of the best-endowed universities in the world, KAUST is becoming a major new contributor to the global network of collaborative research. It will enable researchers from around the globe to work together to solve challenging scientific and technological problems. The admission of students, the appointment, promotion and retention of faculty and staff and all the educational, administrative and other activities of the University shall be conducted on the basis of equality, without regard to race, color, religion or gender.Further information can be found at www.kaust.edu.sa .


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