This PhD project is funded by an Australian Research Council Discovery
Project grant and is part of ongoing research to understand the genetic
architecture of inheritance and maintenance of phenotypic traits in
livestock systems. The main aims of the project are to
(1) Characterize a genetic architecture under which polygenic epistasis in
quantitative traits can evolve and be selected for across generations;
(2) Develop statistically- and biologically-driven methods to identify and
quantify epistasis in genome wide association studies.
(3) Develop method to exploit epistasis in breeding programs
The successful applicant should be working mainly on the first aim of this
project and should develop computational simulations using Artificial
Intelligence approaches to evolve and test models of epistasis. The
project is highly interdisciplinary and applicants from a variety of
backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Ideally the candidate will have a
strong background in Computer Science with emphasis in Artificial
Intelligence and an in-depth understanding of population and evolutionary
genetics. Independent creative thinking is encouraged and there is some
flexibility in direction within the aims of the project.
The PhD (three years full-time) will be through the University of New
England in Armidale, Australia (www.une.edu.au) and with the Animal
Genetics Group. The University of New England has been an internationally
recognized centre of livestock genetics since the 1970s and has been among
the top such centres internationally since the mid-1980s. The research
staff have wide expertize in the development and deployment of methods for
using genomic data applied to livestock production. The University is
located in Armidale, a vibrant University City recognised as a centre of
culture, well served with art, music, theatre, sport and public and
private education. While UNE has a long history and strong tradition of
academic distinction, our outlook is dynamic and fresh. For more details
visit www.armidaleregion.com.au and www.experiencethehighs.com.au.
For more information contact Cedric Gondro ([log in to unmask]). If you
are interested in the position please send your CV, list of publications
and a short description of how you think you can contribute to this
project. We look forward to hearing from you!
The position, open to both domestic and international candidates, is
immediately available to the successful applicant.
--
Dr. Paul Kwan
Associate Professor in Computer Science
School of Science and Technology
The University of New England
Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
Email: [log in to unmask]
Tel: +61 2 6773 2034
Homepage: www.une.edu.au/staff/kwan.php
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