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Post-doc in bioinformatics to study crop plant genomes and epigenomes

Published
Workplace1260 Nyon, Lake Geneva region, Switzerland
Category
Position
Job Start01.09.2023 or by arrangement

Agroscope is looking for a:

Post-doc in bioinformatics to study crop plant genomes and epigenomes

In recent years it has become clear that plant genomes are much more dynamic than previously thought. Indeed, our group has demonstrated that stresses can induce genetic and epigenetic changes. Largely these changes are caused by transposable element mobility or by heritable changes in DNA methylation patterns. These genetic and epigenetic changes can have profound impacts on the regulation of gene expression and thus on plant adaptation to climate change. Gaining a better understanding about these processes is absolutely key in order to improve and accelerate breeding of climate change ready crops.
In this project we want to understand how induced genomic and epigenomic variation contributes to key traits of two of the most important crops: wheat and rice.

About us

Agroscope is the Swiss federal centre of excellence for research in the agriculture and food sector. Its researchers carry out their work at a number of sites in Switzerland. Headquartered in Bern-Liebefeld (as of 2025: Posieux FR), Agroscope is attached to the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.

The research group "Crop Genome Dynamics" is situated in Changins near Geneva. It performs basic research on crop responses to climate change related stresses and develops novel breeding methods and tools to more quickly adapt crops to these stresses.

Description

  • You will analyse large data sets resulting from rice and wheat genome sequencing obtained using the latest long read sequencing technologies (Pacbio, ONT).
  • You will identify genetic (e.g., transposable elements, extrachromosomal DNA) and/or epigenetic changes that contribute to the observed crop phenotypes.
  • In collaboration with groups at different Swiss universities, you will contribute to the development novel genomic tools that allow the detection of transposable element insertions and DNA methylation changes from long read sequencing data.
  • You will participate in the design of experiments with the other researchers of the group and support them in data analysis.
  • You will publish your work in international peer-reviewed journals and contribute to grant applications.

Requirements

  • You have a PhD in bioinformatics or have performed in-depth bioinformatic analyses during your thesis.
  • You have experience in the analysis, visualization and interpretation of genomic data obtained by long read sequencing (e.g. mapping, variation calling, de novo genome assembly, DNA methylation).
  • You have experience in international peer-review publishing, are highly motivated and like to work and collaborate in an international team consisting of technicians, PhD students and post-docs.
  • Some knowledge about epigenetics, transposable elements and/or plant genomes are not essential but would be a plus.
  • You have some knowledge of two official Swiss languages and optionally very good knowledge of English.

We offer

We offer an intriguing job in a dynamic work environment, as well as thorough training and a modern research infrastructure. Flexible working hours and good social benefits are among the advantages of this position.

Contact and Address

If you are interested in this position and fulfil the requirements, we look forward to receiving your online application including contact information of 2-3 referees on www.stelle.admin.ch, Ref.nr. 6793 (English is not an official Swiss language, please select German, French, or Italian as correspondence language).

Additional information can be obtained from Etienne Bucher E-Mail etienne.bucheragroscope.admin.ch, head of the research group, tel. +41 58 483 97 53 (please do not send any application to this last email address).

Start: 01.09.2023 or by arrangement. The duration of the contract is one year with possible prolongation (funding secured for several years).

Place of work: 1260 Nyon (planned as of year 2025 in 8046 Zürich)

The Federal Administration is attentive to the different needs and backgrounds of its employees and promotes diversity. Equal treatment is a top priority.

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In your application, please refer to myScience.org and reference JobID 2643815.