PhD opening to work on grain amaranths

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Research Associate (TV-L E13 65%)
Population and quantitative genomics of heterosis in cultivated Amaranth

The three species of grain amaranth are ancient crops whose grains have a high nutritional value. Their domestication history is characterized by hybridization and gene flow. Amaranth species are annual plants with small genomes and a short generation time, which makes them attractive model organisms for lab and field experiments. Based on genomic data sets and phenotypic data from intra- and interspecific segregating populations the specific project goals are to (1) identify genomic regions with high diversity and footprints of gene flow between species (2) investigate the effects of interspecific vs. intraspecific heterosis on phenotypic traits and environmental stability a nd (3) map heterosis-associated genomic regions.

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative Ph. D. student with a strong background in population genetics, quantitative genetics, bioinformatics, evolutionary biology or plant breeding to work on this project. The student will be co-advised by Dr. Karl Schmid (University of Hohenheim; evoplant.uni-hohenheim.de) and Dr. Detlef Weigel (MPI of Developmental Biology; www.weigelworld.org).

The project is part of the Hohenheim-Tübingen Regio Alliance, which offers very good opportunities for interaction and further training. The position is available immediately and is funded for three years according to the E13 TV-L government salary scale (65% part-time). Registration for the Ph.D. program of the Faculty of Agriculture to obtain a Ph.D. degree is expected. The University of Hohenheim is an equal opportunity employer. Women and members of minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application deadline: 21.02.2017

Please attach the following documents to your application: Please upload your application material (Cover letter, CV, publications, a short letter of motivation and research interests, addresses of at least two references) as a single PDF.

The University of Hohenheim accepts applications via a secure internet site. To the application