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 on the lookout for an experienced and versatile Breeding Data Scientist. In this role, you will serve as the crucial link between complex data analysis and the practical realities of breeding plots at Swiss private and public breeding organizations. Your primary objective will be to utilize genomics and phenotype data to accelerate the development of resilient, high-quality crop varieties that are well-adapted to Switzerland. This presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the SPBC and to play a positive role in the Swiss agriculture and food system.
Key Responsibilities
- Data analytics and biostatistics across multiple crops to enhance breeding program success and boost the rate of genetic gain.
- Pipeline Development: Create and maintain automated bioinformatics pipelines for processing breeding data, including high-throughput sequencing (GBS, WGS, RNA-Seq) and digital phenotype (images) data.
- GWAS & QTL Mapping: Conduct Genome-Wide Association Studies and QTL mapping to identify genetic markers associated with traits such as disease resistance, product quality, and environmental adaptation.
- Molecular Marker Development: Design cost-effective markers and validation experiments in collaboration with breeders for routine marker-assisted selection in breeding pipelines.
- Predictive Models and AI Applications: Develop and implement genomic and phenomic selection workflows, incorporating artificial intelligence.
- Data Integration: Harmonize diverse datasets, such as phenotypic field data, environmental variables, pedigree, and genotypic data to enhance breeding outcomes.
- Scientific Computing Environment: Architect and maintain the SPBC's scientific computing infrastructure and IT environment.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Training: Advise Swiss plant breeders on utilizing new technologies and methods in their breeding programs, fostering a collaborative environment within the Swiss breeding sector while providing training to team members.
- Decision Support: Translate complex statistical outputs into clear visualizations and actionable recommendations for breeding teams to influence selection decisions.
Who You Are
- You thrive in a dynamic work environment that tackles diverse and practical scientific challenges across various plant species within a complex network of breeding organizations.
- As an effective communicator, you can engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
- You are driven by the application of new technologies and methods in practical breeding programs, recognizing that publishing papers is not the primary focus of this role.
- You enjoy creating efficient processes and workflows that can be routinely implemented.
- Your solution-oriented approach includes a willingness to share your expertise openly.
- You appreciate working in a small team where everyone supports one another.
Technical Requirements
- Education: PhD (or MSc with over 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 in generating sequencing libraries, genome assembly, alignment and variant calling, and imputation, as well as establishing databases.
- Digital Phenotyping: Knowledge of processing image and/or sensor data.
- Quantitative Genetics: Strong understanding of quantitative genetics methodology and the breeder’s equation.
- Statistics: Proficiency in 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 in setting up and maintaining server infrastructure.
- Languages: Proficiency in English and either German or French.
The Swiss Plant Breeding Center
The Swiss Plant Breeding Center (SPBC) is a newly established, independent competence and innovation center for plant breeding in Switzerland, supported by the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG). Its mission is to strengthen Swiss plant breeding and enhance breeding efficiency. The main tasks include networking key players in breeding and research and translating research results into practical breeding programs. The SPBC provides breeders with essential technical support, knowledge, and expertise while actively planning and implementing innovations. With an open approach to all crop types, cultivation systems, and methods, the SPBC covers a wide range of expertise through network partnerships and is engaged in securing both customer and third-party funding.
Our competencies encompass molecular genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, quantitative genetics, data analytics, trial design, breeding program design, and digital phenotyping. Across these areas, we focus on assisting breeding organizations in translating research results into routine applications.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.