PhD Studentship

SRUC, Scotland’s Rural College, delivers comprehensive skills, education and business support for Scotland’s land-based industry founded on world class, sector leading research, education and consultancy. Our 1500 staff are located on 6 campuses and around 40 business units across Scotland and the North of England.

This 4 year studentship is part of a large European initiative to generate international genetic and genomic evaluations for several major breeds of beef cattle. The project will estimate the necessary genetic parameters for carcass traits to undertake such genetic evaluations.The objectives and expected benefits of this project are: 1) increased accuracy of genomic selection for the beef industry, 2) improved information of the genetic merit and therefore suitability of beef germplasm originating in different countries, and 3) breeding schemes to maximise the exploitation of the knowledge generated in this study. This all cumulates to increased genetic gain for beef farmers. The study is a 100% desktop study. Some travel will be required.

Applicants should have a first or upper second class degree (or equivalent) in Animal Science or similar discipline. A post-graduate degree in Animal Breeding and Genomics (or equivalent) is desirable. The successful candidate should be results-oriented, highly self-motivated and computer literate, and have received statistical training. Additional training will be provided as needed.

This is a joint research project between Teagasc and SRUC. The student will be based periodically at both the Teagasc Research Centre in Moorepark (Ireland) in association with the Teagasc supervisor Dr. Donagh Berry, and at SRUC (Roslin Institute Building, Edinburgh, Scotland) working under the supervision of Prof. Georgios Banos. The successful candidate will be registered for a PhD at the University of Edinburgh and will have the opportunity to attend courses on genetics, statistics, computer programming and other related topics.

The project is funded by a Teagasc Walsh PhD fellowship and provides a stipend of €17,000 per annum. The studentship is also funded to pay the University of Edinburgh tuition fees for UK/EU students. The expected start date is October 2013 but a suitably qualified candidate may start sooner.

To have an informal discussion about this studentship, contact Prof Georgios Banos, SRUC, Phone: +44 (0) 131 651 9342 Email: Georgios.Banos@sruc.ac.uk  or Donagh Berry, Teagasc, Phone +353 (0)25 43826 email: donagh.berry@teagasc.ie

The closing date for the return of applications is 12 noon on 20 May 2013

 Online applications for this post can be submitted on our website via the 'Apply' button below.  Alternatively application packs can be requested from audrey.johnstone@sruc.ac.uk Tel 0131 535 4028 quoting reference SRUC/1026936/Banos. Please note that CV’s will not be accepted without a completed application form.

www.sruc.ac.uk/jobs