Project title: Implementing breeding management in real life: from puppy to successful assistance dog, from theory to practice

The candidate will research the following aspects associated with performance of assistance dogs:

• Implementation of estimated breeding values and selection index;
• Calculation and monitoring of genetic diversity;
• Statistical modelling to predict success percentages and heritability calculations of these factors that are predictive.

As the goal is to establish a long-term collaboration, it is important that the candidate develops the necessary skills to supervise breeding projects. This is an essential part of the tasks the candidate has to fulfil and involves:

• Understanding the diverse aspects of the world of assistance dogs;
• Gradually growing towards an independent, coordinating and organizing role;
• Gaining the necessary knowledge and skills associated with the diverse phases in breeding programs (from reproductive cycles to the first weeks of life)

This project is performed at the Laboratory of Animal Genetics (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University). Other ongoing research projects at the Laboratory of Animal Genetics are diverse and range from the identification of new disease-causing mutations to the development of novel methods for (epi)genetic research.

Job profile

The candidate should:

• at least speak Dutch and/or fluent English. Knowledge of French is a plus.
• hold a degree of Master in (Veterinary) Medicine/ Biomedical Sciences/ Bio-engineer/ Pharmaceutical Sciences/ Biotechnology/ Biochemistry/ Bio-informatics/ Biology. Senior students are encouraged to apply.
• preferably have programming skills or be highly motivated to develop them.

How to apply

For more information, please send an e-mail to Prof. Dr. Bart Broeckx (Bart.Broeckx@ugent.be). To apply, send your curriculum vitae to Prof. dr. Bart Broeckx (Bart.Broeckx@ugent.be) before the 20th of February 2022.