PhD position: Mapping genes for disease susceptibility in domestic animals in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences is dedicated to investigating genomic variation within and between livestock populations. The group collects sequencing data from large cohorts of farm animals and applies bioinformatics and statistical approaches to characterize trait-associated sequence variation. The lab is offering a PhD position on the mapping of genetic variants for disease susceptibility in pigs. 

The Haemorrhagic Intestinal Syndrome (HIS) causes 25000 pig losses in Swiss fattening farms every year. The disorder manifests in a painful torsion of the small intestine. Susceptibility to HIS depends on environmental and genetic risk factors. To characterize the genetic background of HIS, we will establish a mapping cohort of 1000 affected and 500 healthy pigs. We will apply low-pass sequencing and genotype imputation to establish a mapping cohort with genotypes at more than 30 million sequence variants. Case/control studies will reveal sequence variants that are associated with the incidence of HIS. The genome-based prediction of HIS incidence will be implemented to identify boars that are less likely to produce pigs that are susceptible to developing the disorder. This project is carried out with academic and industry partners.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly-motivated candidate to join a young and dynamic team of computational genomics-oriented resarchers. The successful PhD candidate will work on methods that exploit low-pass sequencing data for the mapping of trait-associated variants in a Swiss pig breed. The candidate will analyse and combine low-pass and high-coverage sequencing data from >1500 pigs to establish a comprehensive catalogue of variants that segregate in the mapping cohort. Association testing and regional heritability mapping will be carried out to detect sequence variants associated with the incidence of the Haemorrhagic Intestinal Syndrome (HIS). Acess to comprehensive sequencing data also offers the opportunity to contribute to other projects that aim at the functional characterization of trait-associated variants. This is a fixed term position for 4 years with an anticipated start date of March 1st, 2021 (somewhat negotiable). The position is based at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. The successful candidate will join the  led by Hubert Pausch.

The successful candidate should have a strong research interest in statistical genomics, computational biology, animal genetics or animal breeding. Experience with a programming language (e.g., python, R) is required and basic working knowledge with high-performance computing clusters is desired. Applicants should hold a MSc degree in genetics, genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, agricultural sciences, animal sciences or disciplines related to the PhD position. Affinity to computational genomics, bioinformatics and statistics is required. The writing of scientific papers and participation in international conferences requires good knowledge of English.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.