Position Available: Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant
Degree: Ph.D. in Animal Science, Beef Cattle Genomics
Location: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Start Date: Spring 2022 or Fall 2022
A Graduate Research Assistantship is available at the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville, Genomics Center for the Advancement of Agriculture in the Department of Animal Science to support a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. The student will work on a project aimed at identifying the mechanisms that underlie heterosis in beef cattle. The student will have the opportunity to work with over 100,000 SNP array genotypes and multiple types of “omics” data to answer these questions. They will gain experience in numerous computational genomics methods, including variant calling, imputation, GWAS, eQTL mapping, and more. Students can also expect to spend some time collecting biological samples in the field and interacting with beef cattle producers and allied industry members. Resources at UTIA include access to a high-performance computing cluster for performing bioinformatic analyses, a well-equipped molecular genomics lab, and ten UTIA agricultural research and education centers throughout the state with extensive land and animal resources. UTIA’s Genomics Center is a rapidly expanding group of genomics-focused faculty, scientific staff, and graduate students performing fundamental and applied genomics research across agricultural species. The interdisciplinary nature of our faculty encourages cross-fertilization of ideas and creates a diverse and vibrant training environment. Opportunities to gain experience in teaching, extension education, grantsmanship, and to present data at national and international conferences will be available. This research assistantship includes a generous stipend, tuition remission, and health insurance.
Requirements include an M.S. degree in Animal Science, Bioinformatics, Animal Breeding, Genomics, or closely related field with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also meet minimum departmental, college, and university requirements for acceptance into the graduate program.
Please submit a CV or resume, transcripts, personal statement, and names and contact
information for three references to Dr. Troy Rowan Feel free to reach out to Dr.
Rowan with any questions regarding the position or to discuss individual fit.