Research Associate - Cornell Plant Breeding and Genetics

Research Associate - Cornell Plant Breeding and Genetics

Research Associate

Cornell University

School of Integrative Plant Science
Section of Plant Breeding and Genetics

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world‑renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns:
We believe that achieving next‑generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Position Function
This Research Associate position is in Dr. Kelly Robbins’ group in the Plant Breeding and Genetics Section. This position requires an experienced quantitative geneticist with demonstrated expertise in the development and testing of genomic prediction models for plant breeding applications. The individual will work closely with the canola breeding team at Nutrien LLC to develop and improve genomic predictions for key agronomic traits, provide consulting on optimal implementations of genomic selection, and develop well‑documented code to enable full implementation of genomic selection in a commercial breeding program.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Modeling (50%) – Develop and test genomic prediction models for key agronomic traits in canola.
• Simulation (20%) – Conduct simulations of breeding schemes to determine optimal implementations of genomic selection in canola.
• Imputation (20%) – Implement genotype imputation algorithms to enable joint analysis of historical datasets genotyped using different marker panels.
• Presentations/Reporting (10%) – Provide regular updates to the canola breeding team and translate input from stakeholders into model development and simulation efforts. It is expected that results from this project will be published in a peer‑reviewed journal.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Animal Breeding, or related field.

Required skills:

• Extensive experience in developing advanced statistical models with plant/animal breeding applications.
• Advanced knowledge of quantitative genetics theory.
• Experience writing code in common scripting languages (R is preferred).

Preferred skills:

• Experience with and understanding of plant breeding field operations.
• Experience writing simulation code to model the performance of breeding schemes in terms of response to selection.
• Excellent communication skills with a demonstrated track record of effectively explaining modeling approaches and results to stakeholders without expertise in advanced modeling techniques.
• Minimum 4 years postgraduate experience.

Supervision Exercised
The research associate will be expected to work independently. The candidate will have no supervisory roles.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand‑alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person … any study,” via the website.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring range for this title is up to $72,000.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and land‑grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars,…