We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic PhD student to develop new methodology for haplotyping genomes of polyploid crops, using novel genotyping-by-sequencing approaches. We are looking for an ambitious PhD student with an MSc degree in bioinformatics, computer sciences, statistics, biotechnology, biology or plant sciences. The PhD project 'Haplotyping in polyploid crops using genetics, genomics and bioinformatics' aims at solving important questions in crops like potato, leek, rose, chrysanthemum, that have four or six copies of a genome: what is the composition (haplotype) of each of the underlying genomes, both locally (gene level) and over larger distances (chromosome level)? Can we distinguish different dosages of haplotypes? Can we characterize plants in terms of haplotype composition? Can we relate observed haplotypes to variation in phenotypic traits? In this project, the goal is to develop statistical, genetics and bioinformatics tools for novel genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approaches for polyploid crops. The project will deliver effective strategies for haplotyping in polyploid crops, faster discovery of candidate genes and of their allelic variants for traits of interest to plant breeders. It is a collaborative initiative of the Bioinformatics and Plant Breeding chair groups at Wageningen University. You will work in close cooperation with other PhD students and researchers involved in related projects on the development of a genetic analysis pipeline for polyploid crops and novel sequencing strategies for polyploid genomes. More information about the position, the research groups involved, and a possibility to apply for this position can be found at: http://www.wageningenur.nl/en/Education-Programmes/PhD-Programme/PhD-Vacanci... Interested candidates can apply up to September 15, 2014 through the above-mentioned website. Dr. Chris Maliepaard (Quantitative aspects of Plant Breeding) Prof. Dick de Ridder (Bioinformatics) Wageningen University The Netherlands