Job Description

This position is a post-doctoral position in a fast growing startup. This is to work on developing bioinformatics tools, computational methods, and regression models in order to accurately predict overall genotype performance and individual quantitative trait values from high-density genotyping data. This includes the evaluation and incorporation of genotype-environment interaction and/or crop growth models to simulate genotype performance across location and time. You will serve as the bioinformatics and genomics lead across multiple crops with access to large genomic and phenotypic datasets.

Major Responsibilities

Development, testing, and implementation of genomic prediction — You will have immediate access to large phenotypic and genomic datasets as well as existing genomic prediction models developed by ListenField and our partners and will be responsible for designing improved prediction models that better account for genetic relatedness, environmental interactions, and presence/absence of major genes.

Improve the trait discovery pipeline — This task is to advance the science of plant improvement through the development and/or implementation of (1) accurate and robust high-throughput phenotyping technologies, (2) computational solutions for management and analyses of large genetic, phenotypic, and environmental datasets, and (3) approaches to rapidly and effectively explore crop diversity for useful gene discovery and the creation of new cultivars/hybrids for commercial production.

Required Qualifications

(1) PhD in breeding, genetics (population, quantitative or statistical), genomics, bioinformatics, or related field.

(2) Advanced knowledge and research experience in both breeding/genetics and computational biology/bioinformatics that will be needed for designing and implementing genomic prediction models for cultivar and hybrid development.

(3) Experience in quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA)

(4) Familiar with VCF data formats and tools

Desired Qualifications

(1) Research experience in genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or high-throughput phenotyping.

(2) Relevant project management experience (private industry, non-profit, or academic).

(3) Relevant experience in graduate and/or undergraduate student training.

(4) The candidate must be highly organized and able to work effectively with and manage a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skillsets.

(5) R programming and Python programming is a plus

ListenField is playing a major role on developing the data driven platform for plant genomic selection for the Japanese government funded project in collaboration with University of Tokyo, Cornell University and National Agriculture Research Institute of Japan.

Benefits

• This position is an outstanding opportunity for personal advancement and satisfaction.
• The right candidate will assume a pivotal role in the success of a fast-growing, innovative and dynamic organization.
• Compensation will be competitive. The starting salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience.
• A challenging and highly-motivated work environment comprising talented staff from multiple backgrounds.
• Comprehensive health care benefits.

Work Condition

• Contract-type: It is a full time position for 3 years contract.

• Work place: ListenField’s office in Chubu University Campus.

• Visa Status: ListenField will manage VISA if requires.