The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) at Aarhus University (AU), Denmark, offers a position as tenure track assistant professor in machine learning and data science.
QGG is an independent center in the Faculty of Technical Sciences at AU and focusses on use of big data from multiple omics and various monitoring (sensor, imaging) technologies for applications such as (genomic) prediction, decision support and precision agriculture.
Expected start date and duration of employment
Start date 1 January 2022 or as soon possible.
Job description
Denmark is currently developing an ambitious investment program for a green transition and digitalization, and QGG will expand the research on digital tools and machine learning applications in agriculture, largely in interdisciplinary research projects that involve engineers, livestock experts, geneticists and agronomists. Use of imaging, censor, omics and other big data technologies will be key in this green transition, offering exciting opportunities for a data scientist to work on the cross-road between developing new data science methods and shaping novel data-driven applications in computational biology and agriculture.
To support QGG’s work in the green transition, we are looking for a candidate with a primary focus on developing data science methods, and that is keen on using novel methods in applications such as prediction of molecular phenotypes (transcription levels, protein structure, etc.), dissection of agronomic traits (automated description of plant or animal morphological and physiological ,charactariscics based e.g. on image analysis), and integrations of biological networks.
The candidate will build a collaborative work environment within and outside QGG to integrate novel data science applications towards the green transition in agriculture, while developing and maintaining own independent research program in machine learning and data science.
The ideal candidate:
- Has a PhD with a solid background in data science and machine learning, e.g., computer science, software engineering, computational biology or similar background with a focus on developing novel data science applications, and 2- 4 years relevant postdoc experience.
- Is proficient in programming languages (e.g., Python, C++) and has a publication record that includes software development.
- Is interested in working with other scientists on real-world applications, especially in agriculture’s green transition.
- Can develop an independent research program in data science and has demonstrated capacity to attract funding and build a collaborative network in data science
- Is an excellent team player that has demonstrated the ability to work with scientists across disciplines to tackle real-world problems.
- Has effective communication skills to diverse audiences, in society, academia or industry.
- Is interested in mentoring junior scientists at various levels for a wide diversity of skillsets (e.g., in research, communication, career development)
Who we are
QGG is a major center for research and education in quantitative genetics and quantitative genomics at Aarhus University (http://www.qgg.au.dk/en). We perform basic and applied research within livestock and plant breeding as well as human applications within precision medicine. The research within QGG is characterized by a very close synergy between method development, basic analyses and application of the developed methods on practical problems across species, in collaboration with industry partners. QGG is an international research center with about 70 employees and visiting researchers from over 15 nations. QGG works in teams and strives for an excellent working environment, characterized by professionalism and healthy work-life balance. We therefore value self-leadership, open communication, commitment to diversity and success in mentoring, supervision and teaching.
What we offer
The candidate will be working in QGG’s Statistical Genetics section with main place of work in AU’s main campus in Aarhus. Depending on the projects being developed, the candidate will also interact with livestock and plant experts in AU’s Foulum and/or Flakkebjerg campuses.
At QGG, the candidate will have access to computational facilities like the High Performance Cluster, with continued investment for increased capabilities (additional nodes and GPUs).
The place of work is Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, 8000 Aarhus C. At the beginning of 2022, the Center will move to other facilities within Campus in Aarhus, which will then be the primary workplace. The area of employment is Aarhus University and associated institutions.
Contact information
For further information, please contact: Professor and Center leader, Mogens Sandø Lund, +45 2075 1222, mogens.lund@qgg.au.dk.
Technical Sciences Tenure Track
Aarhus University offers talented scientists from around the world attractive career perspectives via the Technical Sciences Tenure Track Programme. Highly qualified candidates are appointed as Assistant Professors for a period of six years with the prospect of performance- based advancement to a tenured Associate Professorship.
The aim of the Technical Sciences Tenure Track Programme is to:
- attract outstanding talented individuals that are competitive at an international level
- to promote the early development of independent research success early in the career of scientists
- to create transparency in the academic career path
As part of the tenure track position, the candidate is offered:
- access to research infrastructure
- capability development, including postgraduate teacher training
- a mentoring programme
- support to develop scientific networks and to secure interdisciplinary research at the highest level
As part of the Aarhus University Tenure Track Programme, the University carries out a mid-way evaluation to review the progress of the tenure track candidate after three years, according to the same criteria used in the final tenure review. The final tenure review is conducted after five and a half years. If the review is positive, the candidate will be offered a tenured position as Associate Professor at Aarhus University.
Please refer to the tenure track guidelines for the tenure review criteria and for the tenure review process.
Application procedure
Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the assessment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. The selection is made on the basis of an assessment of who of the candidates are most relevant considering the requirements of the advertisement. All applicants will be notified within 6 weeks whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee and will receive his/her assessment. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.
Letter of reference
If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.
Formalities and salary range
Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.
Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.
Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Confederation of Professional Associations.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.
Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.
Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.
The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University’s website.
Questions about the position?
Mogens Sandø LundCentre Director, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics+4587158024mogens.lund@qgg.au.dk
Questions about application and proces?
Nat-Tech Administrative Centre – Nat-Tech HR+4525695795Nat-Tech.HR.Emply@au.dk
Deadline: Monday 1 Nov 2021 at 23:59 CET