+1-302-831-1356 rjw@udel.edu
Postdoctoral Scientist at the LEPSE (Montpellier, France)
Posted April 2021

Digital Biology of Quantitative Traits in Breeding for Climate Change

A Montpellier University of Excellence fellowship at the INRAE Laboratory for Plant Ecophysiology under Environmental Stress (LEPSE) is immediately available for a postdoctoral researcher in digital biology of quantitative traits. The postdoctoral fellow will join a project on the integration of quantitative genetics and ecophysiology in order to elucidate constraints on crop improvement and chart new pathways for breeding crops adapted to climate change (drought and heat).

Focused on maize, with access to large and well-curated datasets of genetically dissected traits and a network of phenomic and genomic platforms for experimentation, the postdoc will develop a digital biology framework that couples genome simulation with crop modeling. This will be used to investigate questions about GxE and the short-term evolution of adapting crops to climate change.

Responsibilities:

  • Advance a whole genome simulator to model genetic architectures and breeding values
    of virtualized genotypes for developmental and physiological traits.
  • Use genetic analysis of data from phenotypic platforms to empirically parametrize
    simulation models.
  • Devise a schema to interface genome simulation with crop modeling, resulting in a
    scalable simulation platform for investigating GxE.
  • Collaborate with team members to capitalize on extensive data resources and ongoing
    experiments for developing and validating the simulation platform.

Application conditions
Candidate of any nationality may apply. The candidates must have doctoral degree at
recruitment date (French doctorate, PhD or foreign doctorate of equivalent level) for less
than five years.

How to apply
To apply you should submit a letter of interest, a complete curriculum vitae with a list of
publications, and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three
referees who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s professional qualifications and work
experience. For further information and to apply, please contact Dr. Randall Wisser
(randall.wisser@inrae.fr). Applications will be received until a suitable candidate is found.