Postdoctoral position OT-27583
Postdoctoral position - Development of a genetic evaluation for persistency in dairy cows
78350 Jouy-en-Josas
INRAE presentation
The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) is a major player in research and innovation. It is a community of 12,000 people with 272 research, experimental research, and support units located in 18 regional centres throughout France. Internationally, INRAE is among the top research organisations in the agricultural and food sciences, plant and animal sciences, as well as in ecology and environmental science. It is the world’s leading research organisation specialising in agriculture, food and the environment. INRAE’s goal is to be a key player in the transitions necessary to address major global challenges. Faced with a growing world population, climate change, resource scarcity, and declining biodiversity, the Institute has a major role to play in building solutions and supporting the necessary acceleration of agricultural, food and environmental transitions.
Work environment, missions and activities
The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) is seeking a highly motivated and rigorous researcher for a 12-month postdoctoral position in bovine genetics. The aim of the project is to study the genetic determinism of milk persistency and to perform a genomic evaluation of this trait.
The position is hosted by the GABI research unit (Genetics and Integrative Biology of Animals), located on the INRAE campus in Jouy-en-Josas, southwest of Paris.
👉 About GABI
With 115 permanent members and strong collaborations with breeding organizations, technology platforms, and experimental units, GABI is a key player in animal genetics. It is also part of the Animal Sciences Institute of Paris-Saclay (SAPS). 👉 About SAPS
You will join the GBoS team, led by Pascal Croiseau and Marie-Pierre Sanchez, which focuses on genetic research for sustainable bovine production, economically, socially, and environmentally. Using large-scale data from commercial and experimental herds, the team conducts advanced genome analyses and supports population management. GBoS also coordinates the eBIS UMT, in collaboration with Idele and Eliance, and includes approximately 40 researchers and engineers with complementary profiles.
As part of the PerLa project (APIS-GENE EGER 4.0) dedicated to the genetic study of milk persistency, you will be in charge of:
- Estimate genetic parameters for dairy traits (production persistency and maturity) using random regression models.
- Perform genomic evaluations of milk persistency using the single-step methodology applied to a random regression model on very large populations.
- Collaborate with project researchers and professional partners.
- Present work progress in project meetings and scientific conferences.
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific publications.
What we offer
- A dynamic and collaborative scientific environment.
- Opportunities to engage with key stakeholders in the French bovine genetics sector.
- The chance to contribute to the genomic evaluation of French cattle breeds, for a wide variety of French breeds of international, national or regional importance.
No special conditions for exercise
Training and skills
We are looking for a candidate with:
- Strong background in quantitative genetics, animal breeding, and statistics.
- Proficiency in computational tool development. Knowledge of the Fortran language is an advantage.
- Teamwork skills and the ability to interact in multidisciplinary environments.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, in English (French is desired, but not compulsory).
- Ability to produce high-quality results within the given deadlines.
INRAE's life quality
By joining our teams, you benefit from (depending on the type of contract and its duration):
- up to 30 days of annual leave + 15 days "Reduction of Working Time" (for a full time);
- parenting support: CESU childcare, leisure services;
- skills development systems: training, career advise;
- social support: advice and listening, social assistance and loans;
- holiday and leisure services: holiday vouchers, accommodation at preferential rates;
- sports and cultural activities;
- collective catering.
How to apply
I send my CV and my motivation letter
All persons employed by or hosted at INRAE, a public research establishment, are subject to the Civil Service Code, particularly with regard to the obligation of neutrality and respect for the principle of secularism. In carrying out their functions, whether or not they are in contact with the public, they must not express their religious, philosophical or political convictions through their behaviour or by what they wear. > Find out more: fonction publique.gouv.fr website (in French)