Postdoctoral researcher in Genomics for Welfare-Driven Livestock Breeding

Job title:

Postdoctoral researcher in Genomics for Welfare-Driven Livestock Breeding

Company:

Job description

Offer DescriptionGenoBreed, funded by the FWO (Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek), is an ambitious research initiative dedicated to enhancing animal welfare in two of Flanders’ most vital livestock sectors: pigs and beef cattle. The project targets four prevalent genetic conditions-three congenital disorders in pigs and one in cattle-that significantly impact animal health and productivity. Building on extensive prior research by our team, which identified key genomic regions and candidate genes through transcriptomic analyses and genome-wide association studies, GenoBreed now aims to take the next leap: using cutting-edge genomic sequencing technologies to pinpoint the causal variants and unravel the underlying biological mechanisms of these disorders.
These discoveries will be translated into practical breeding tools, enabling the development of genetic tests and selection strategies that integrate genomic data, breeding values, and health traits into a comprehensive, welfare-driven breeding index.
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a central role in this process-leading analyses, developing tools, and contributing to the scientific and practical impact of the project. You will collaborate closely with PhD students, breeding companies, and (international) academic partners in a dynamic and supportive research environment that values innovation, teamwork, and real-world impact.
We are looking for a motivated and collaborative postdoctoral researcher who:

• Holds a PhD in animal genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field
• Has strong experience in GWAS and WGS data analysis. Knowledge of transcriptome analysis is a plus
• Is proficient in R, Python, Linux and has experience with several bioinformatics tools
• Has a solid understanding of livestock breeding and quantitative genetics
• Is a team player with excellent communication skills
• Is fluent in English (written and verbal communication)
• Is eager to contribute to sustainable and welfare-driven livestock farming

It is an asset if the applicant also:

• Has obtained a FELASA B or C certificate, or is willing to obtain one
• Meets the requirements of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Conditions of Mobility of Researchers. Researchers can be of any nationality and are required to undertake transnational mobility. This means that researchers must not have resided in the country of their host beneficiary (Belgium) for more than 12 months in the past 3 years.

• A full-time postdoctoral position for one year, with the possibility of extension up to a total of three years
• Competitive salary according to KU Leuven scale “postdoctoral assistant” (44), including benefits, in addition to Belgium’s strong social supports
• Access to state-of-the-art genomics and bioinformatics infrastructure
• Opportunities to publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences
• Career development support through KU Leuven’s postdoc community
• Preferred starting date: October 1st, 2025

Applications should be submitted through the KU Leuven job portal and should contain:
– Full CV, including your previous research experience, international mobility and publication list – Concise cover letter describing your motivation and career goals, including a list of two references (PhD promotor and/or supervisor, international collaborators, …) with email addresses and phone numbers
For more information about this vacancy, please contact: Prof. dr. Nadine Buys ( ) or Dr. Roel Meyermans ( ).Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Agricultural sciences Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Biological sciences Education Level PhD or equivalentLanguages ENGLISH Level ExcellentResearch Field Agricultural sciences » Zootechnics Years of Research Experience 4 – 10Additional InformationBenefits

• A full-time postdoctoral position for one year, with the possibility of extension up to a total of three years
• Competitive salary according to KU Leuven scale “postdoctoral assistant” (44), including benefits, in addition to Belgium’s strong social supports
• Access to state-of-the-art genomics and bioinformatics infrastructure
• Opportunities to publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences
• Career development support through KU Leuven’s postdoc community
• Preferred starting date: October 1st, 2025

Eligibility criteriaWe are looking for a motivated and collaborative postdoctoral researcher who:

• Holds a PhD in animal genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field
• Has strong experience in GWAS and WGS data analysis. Knowledge of transcriptome analysis is a plus
• Is proficient in R, Python, Linux and has experience with several bioinformatics tools
• Has a solid understanding of livestock breeding and quantitative genetics
• Is a team player with excellent communication skills
• Is fluent in English (written and verbal communication)
• Is eager to contribute to sustainable and welfare-driven livestock farming

It is an asset if the applicant also:

• Has obtained a FELASA B or C certificate, or is willing to obtain one
• Meets the requirements of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Conditions of Mobility of Researchers. Researchers can be of any nationality and are required to undertake transnational mobility. This means that researchers must not have resided in the country of their host beneficiary (Belgium) for more than 12 months in the past 3 years.

Selection processApplications should be submitted through the KU Leuven job portal and should contain:
– Full CV, including your previous research experience, international mobility and publication list – Concise cover letter describing your motivation and career goals, including a list of two references (PhD promotor and/or supervisor, international collaborators, …) with email addresses and phone numbers
For more information about this vacancy, please contact: Prof. dr. Nadine Buys ( ) or Dr. Roel Meyermans ( ).Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute KU LEUVEN Country Belgium City Leuven GeofieldContact CityLeuvenSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Louvain, Brabant Flamand

Job date

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 22:13:10 GMT

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