Breeding Data Scientist (m/f/d) (80-100%)
Location: Zürich, Switzerland
Employment: Contract for 3 years with the option to convert to permanent employment based on excellent performance.
The Swiss Plant Breeding Center (SPBC) is seeking an experienced and versatile Breeding Data Scientist. In this role, you will bridge complex data and the physical realities of breeding plots at both private and public breeding organizations in Switzerland. Your primary objective will be to leverage genomics and phenotype data to accelerate the development of resilient and high-quality crop varieties that are well-adapted to local conditions. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of Swiss agriculture and the food system.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct data analytics and biostatistics across multiple crops to drive breeding program success and increase the rate of genetic gain.
- Develop and maintain automated bioinformatics pipelines for processing breeding data, including high-throughput sequencing (GBS, WGS, RNA-Seq) and digital phenotyping (images).
- Perform Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and QTL mapping to identify genetic markers linked to important traits such as disease resistance, product quality, and environmental adaptation.
- Design cost-effective molecular markers and validation experiments in collaboration with breeders for routine marker-assisted selection.
- Develop and implement genomic and phenomic selection workflows that integrate artificial intelligence.
- Harmonize diverse datasets, including phenotypic field data, environmental variables, pedigree, and genotypic data to enhance breeding outcomes.
- Architect and maintain the SPBC scientific computing infrastructure and IT environment.
- Advise Swiss plant breeders on the application of new technologies and methods in their breeding programs while fostering collaboration within the Swiss breeding sector. Train team members as necessary.
- Translate complex statistical outputs into clear visualizations and actionable recommendations for breeding teams to guide selection decisions.
Who You Are
- You are hands-on and enjoy a dynamic work environment that tackles diverse scientific challenges across various plant species.
- You are an effective communicator who can engage with a wide variety of stakeholders.
- You are motivated by the application of cutting-edge technologies and methods in practical breeding programs, understanding that research publications are not the primary focus of this role.
- You appreciate developing efficient processes and workflows that can be routinely applied.
- You are solution-oriented and enjoy sharing your expertise openly.
- You thrive in a small team setting where collaboration and mutual support are valued.
Technical Requirements
- Education: PhD (or MSc with >6 years of experience) in Plant Breeding, Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics, Data Science, or a related field.
- Programming: Advanced proficiency in R and/or Python.
- Genomics: Experience with generating sequencing libraries, genome assembly, alignment, variant calling, and data base establishment.
- Digital Phenotyping: Knowledge in processing image and/or sensor data.
- Quantitative Genetics: Strong understanding of quantitative genetics methodology and the breeder’s equation.
- Statistics: Experience with linear mixed models, experimental design, machine learning, and artificial intelligence applications.
- Cloud/HPC: Experience with high-performance computing (HPC), including Linux environments and cloud computing (AWS/GCP).
- Server Maintenance: Experience with setup and maintenance of server infrastructure.
- Languages: Proficiency in English and German or French.
The Swiss Plant Breeding Center
The Swiss Plant Breeding Center (SPBC) is an independent competence and innovation center dedicated to plant breeding in Switzerland, supported by the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG). Our mission is to strengthen Swiss plant breeding and enhance breeding efficiency. We work to connect key players in breeding and research while translating research findings into practical breeding programs. The SPBC provides breeders with technical support, know-how, and expertise and actively engages in planning and implementing innovations. We align our services with customer needs, remain open to all crop types, cultivation systems, and methods, and cover a broad range of expertise through network partnerships. Additionally, we are committed to acquiring customer and third-party funding.
Our competencies encompass molecular genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, quantitative genetics, data analytics, trial design, breeding program design, and digital phenotyping. In all these areas, we focus on supporting breeding organizations to implement research results into routine applications.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.