The Danish Centre for Genomic Selection in Animals and Plants (GenSAP) is seeking a motivated and productive PhD student to study quantitative genetic models of complex traits. The goal of GenSAP is to develop the next generation genomic breeding tools for genetic improvement schemes in agricultural plants and animals. GenSAP brings together Danish breeding companies and research groups as well as leading international research groups to make a joint strategic research effort to build the foundation for next generation genomic selection (GS). GenSAP will develop GS methodologies across all agricultural species and integrate and extract relevant information from the massive amounts of data emerging from whole genome sequencing, functional genomics, epigenomics and complex phenotyping technologies. Improved GS models will be developed based on efficient algorithms accounting for e.g. gene-by-gene and gene-by-environment interactions. Advanced computational tools for optimizing and evaluating selection decisions based on in silico data will be developed to ensure a sustainable long-term implementation of GS. The successful candidate will be affiliated to two GenSAP partner institutions: North Carolina State University and Aarhus University. The candidate will be enrolled in the PhD program in Genetics at North Carolina State University, under the mentorship of Prof. Trudy Mackay and is expected to spend 1-2 years of the PhD study at the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, under the supervision of Prof. Daniel Sorensen and Senior Scientist Peter S?rensen. The candidate will develop novel computational approaches to exploit and integrate multiple layers of genome-wide experimental data, in order to provide novel insights into the genetic architecture of complex traits and improve predictive models of complex traits. The candidate will apply these methods to phenotypic and molecular data sets from the Drosophila melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel, a population of 200 fully sequenced inbred lines. This position requires solid quantitative skills, preferably including experience with population genetics or statistics. Skills in scripting and/or programming would be useful. The studentship offers a generous stipend, with full tuition and health insurance. Interested candidates should send CV including letter of motivation and a copy of academic records to Peter S?rensen (peter.sorensen2 at agrsci.dk) before the 15th of March. For more information on the PhD project, please contact Senior Scientist Peter S?rensen (peter.sorensen2 at agrsci.dk) For more information on GenSAP please visit www.gensap.au.dk