Irene Julca

Two PhD positions are open in the Evolution and comparative multi-omics / Computational Genomics Research Lab at Aarhus University , hosted by the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) in Denmark. The openings sit within the Quantitative Genetics and Genomics programme at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences and focus on plant genomics , comparative genomics , phylogenomics , bioinformatics , machine learning , and deep learning . PhD candidate in plant computational biology : this project studies gene duplication, functional divergence, and the evolution of agronomically important traits in domesticated plants. The work combines comparative genomics, evolutionary analyses, and computational approaches across multiple crop species to identify candidate genes relevant for crop research and future breeding. PhD candidate in comparative genomics and machine learning for plant biology : this project develops computational tools to prioritise candidate genes by integrating evolutionary and functional information. The selected student will work on algorithms, deep learning/AI methods, gene redundancy and pleiotropy, and trait-associated genes such as flowering time and root architecture. Eligibility highlights include a relevant Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field; programming experience in Python or R; interest in plant genomics, evolutionary biology, or comparative genomics; and strong English communication skills. Familiarity with machine learning or deep learning is a plus. Funding : these are PhD fellowship/scholarship positions, with salary and employment terms according to the applicable collective agreement. The post does not mention a tuition waiver or a specific stipend amount. Deadline : 31 May 2026, 23:59 CEST. Preferred start dates are 1 September 2026 for the plant computational biology project and 1 October 2026 for the comparative genomics and machine learning project. How to apply : submit the application through the Aarhus University portal linked in the announcement, follow the application guide, and upload the required project description PDF plus mandatory attachments before the deadline. For questions, contact Professor Torben Asp and Assistant Professor Irene Julca at QGG.