QGG - Aarhus University seeks a postdoc researcher in sustainable breeding: developing simulation tools for breeding planning and breeding goals

Join a prestigious research department at Aarhus University specializing in quantitative genetics and genomics for an exciting career opportunity. The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics is seeking applicants for a postdoc position in the field of breeding plans and breeding goals. 

It is a two‑year position starting on 1 September 2026, or as soon as possible.

The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) holds a prominent position in research in developing breeding plans and breeding goals for sustainable production. We are developing simulation tools for breeding planning in species such as dairy cattle, pigs, aquaculture and insects to be used for research and in projects in collaboration with the breeding industry. The candidate selected for this position will join our team to advance this area and work on developing the tools and applying them to research projects covering different topics and species depending on the candidate’s interests and previous experience.
 

Possible tasks will be:

·        Assist in expanding our software simulating breeding programs in different species.
·        Create simulation tools (e.g. R-package) for estimating economic values.
·        Simulation of breeding schemes.
·        Defining breeding goals.
·        Project management.

You will work closely with a team of researchers specialized in animal breeding planning and population genetics. This position will provide you with the opportunity to combine the scientific significance of your work with the practical importance of your work in daily farming practices.
 

Your profile

• Ph.D. in Quantitative Genetics or Population Genetics.
• Proficient in R and Python programming is essential.
• Familiar with breeding programs and breeding goals.
• A collaborative colleague and a good communicator.
• Experience in collaborating with scientists across different disciplines nationally and internationally.

• Fluent in English (written and spoken).

Who we are

The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) is an exciting interdisciplinary center for research and education in quantitative genetics and quantitative genomics (http://qgg.au.dk/en). QGG is an international organization with 100 employees and visiting researchers from more than 20 countries. We perform basic and applied research within plants, livestock and human quantitative genetics. Our focus areas include quantitative genetics, breeding plans, artificial intelligence applied to agriculture and precision medicine, population genetics, and integrative genomics. QGG is located at the central campus in Aarhus and the AU Flakkebjerg campus in newly renovated offices with well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories, equipment, and highperforming computing clusters.

What we offer

• An exciting and intellectual position in a dynamic and collaborative research environment.
• An informal and supportive research atmosphere within a highly international research team.
• Access to a global network of experienced collaborators and colleagues, providing high-quality feedback and scientific exchange.
• A high degree of professional engagement and involvement in study designs, data analysis, and method development - your ideas and contributions will be welcomed at all stages of the research process.
• Individualized training, supervision, and mentorship tailored to your development needs.
• Opportunities to participate in national and international conferences, workshops, and relevant courses to support your professional growth.

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is C. F. Møllers Allé 3, bld. 1130, 8000 Aarhus C, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments. 
 

Contacts

Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact Senior Scientist, Hanne Marie Nielsen, hannem.nielsen@qgg.au.dk.
 

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.

Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattech@au.dk

Formalities and salary range

Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
 

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 37,000 students (FTEs) and 8.700 employees and has an annual revenue of EUR 1.106 billion. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/