Position Function – Vitis Gen Project

This individual will collaborate with a team including grapevine breeders, molecular and quantitative geneticists, bioinformaticians, and computer programmers to develop strategies to integrate new genotyping methodology and other genomic tools into practice for the purpose of grapevine breeding and genetic studies. The successful candidate will be able to analyze large-scale genotyping data (from Genotyping-by-Sequencing, Amplicon Sequencing, Illumina resequencing, and/or PacBio de novo sequencing) and trait data generated from this project, collaborate with breeders to apply a marker-assisted breeding strategy, and lead the development of peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities will include genetic map construction, QTL data analysis, whole genome assembly, and related areas. There will be good opportunities to improve data analysis skills and gain experience on large-scale biological data analysis by learning from and cooperating with a team having expertise in both genomic research and real-world breeding practices. The candidate will receive frequent guidance and support from the Cornell University Grape Breeding Program, as well as the USDA-ARS Grape Genetics Research Unit and the Computational Biology Service Unit.

Anticipated Division of Time
(40%) Lead database management for integration of genotypic and phenotypic data within VitisGen project and in support of grape breeding programs
(40%) Complete GBS-trait association analyses and Amplicon Sequencing marker validation
(20%) Complete genome assemblies of relevant wild Vitis for candidate gene identification under QTL

Requirements
The applicant will have a Ph.D. in population genetics, plant breeding, plant genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field. Good statistical data analysis skills are required. Research experience in plant breeding or population genetics or bioinformatics is preferred. Maturity and initiative are desirable, however, applicants with doctorate degrees (with or without postdoctoral experience) will be considered. Preference will be given to those already showing outstanding leadership and organizational skills. With a large team approach to this project, good communication skills (verbal and written) would be valued as well.

Supervision Exercised
At present, there are no plans for supervision of technical staff and/or students. However, it will be important to work together with other technical staff and students involved in the project. There are possibilities to supervise temporary support personnel and/or summer student interns.

To express interest in this position, please send your CV, letter of interest and the name and contact information for three references to Professor Bruce Reisch at bruce.reisch@cornell.edu.


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