[BBC] PhD position: machine learning on pangenomes

[Ridder, Dick de]

We are looking for an enthusiastic bioinformatics PhD candidate for a project on new detection strategies and analyses of plant quarantine organisms (q-organisms) based on a pan-genome approach. Research includes the development of machine-learning methodology on pan-genome graphs, to identify important features associated to pathogenicity or host specificity for instance, and visualizations to support genome analyses and outbreak management. This project is a collaboration between Wageningen Research Biointeractions and Plant Health and the Wageningen University Bioinformatics Group. The PhD student will also work with experts from the National Plant Protection organization (NPPO-NL) and industrial partners.

Candidates should hold an MSc degree in bioinformatics, computer science (with a demonstrable affinity for biology) or related area. We are specifically seeking a candidate with a strong background in algorithm development and machine learning, and demonstrable skills in mathematics and statistics. Good organisational skills, enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary team and an interest in bringing bioinformatics to real-world application are important characteristics as well.

Additional information about the position can be found at https://www.wur.nl/en/vacancy/PhD-student-Pangenome-mining-for-quarantine-organisms.htm. Interested candidates can apply up to May 9, 2021 through this website.

Best regards,

Dick de Ridder
Bioinformatics Group, Wageningen University, The Netherlands