4-Year PhD Position in Statistical Genomics and Computational Genomics

The University of Liège is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position in Statistical Genomics and Computational Genomics, focusing on the PangenomiX project. This research initiative, co-developed by Dr. Tom Druet and Prof. Hubert Pausch, investigates the impacts of sex chromosomal structural variants on reproduction and meiosis-related traits in cattle using advanced pangenome and imputation methods. The project is funded by the Fonds de la recherche scientifique (F.R.S.-FNRS) and the Swiss National Science Foundation as a Weave-project. PangenomiX aims to generate near-complete assemblies of cattle sex chromosomes and develop statistical methods to transfer pangenome variation panel information to large mapping populations. This will enable association testing between complex traits and structural variants (SVs). The research builds on previous work by the Animal Genomics and Quantitative Genetics & Genomics groups, leveraging extensive long read sequencing data (PacBio HiFi) to construct genome assemblies and pangenome graphs, identify trait-associated SVs, and develop imputation and haplotype-based association testing approaches, particularly for sex chromosomes. The successful candidate will focus on developing approaches to impute structural variants into large mapping cohorts with array- or short read sequencing-derived genotypes, testing these genotypes for association with complex traits, and participating in the construction of pangenomes from sequencing data collected from two cattle breeds, including Belgian Blue beef cattle. The project will also analyze traits related to reproduction and meiosis in Belgian Blue beef cattle. Close collaboration with a parallel doctoral candidate at ETH Zurich is expected, including research exchanges and short stays. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in genetics, genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, animal sciences, or related fields. Essential skills include programming experience (Python, R), familiarity with high-performance computing clusters, and strong motivation for research in statistical genomics and computational biology. The ability to write scientific manuscripts and present at international conferences is required. Desirable skills include prior experience with genomic data analysis on HPC clusters. Candidates should demonstrate enthusiasm, proactive attitude, strong communication skills, team spirit, reliability, independence, and a good command of English. The position is fully funded for four years, covering salary and research expenses. The application deadline is April 6, 2026. Interested candidates should apply online via the ETH Zurich job portal and may contact Dr. Tom Druet for further information. The University of Liège is located in Liège, Belgium, and offers a vibrant research environment within the GIGA-R department. For more details and to apply, visit the provided links. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline.