Optimising genetic diversity in animal and plant breeding in the genomic era

A prestigious PhD studentship is available in memory of a distinguished researcher at The Roslin Institute, Professor Steve Bishop. The proposed projects reflect the interests of our late colleague in quantitative genetics. The studentship is fully funded for four years, with an enhanced stipend and consumable allocation to attract the strongest candidates. Three projects are offered in the area in which Professor Bishop was an internationally renowned expert. Selection will be based on the best candidate and their project preference. An obituary recording the life and scientific achievements of Professor Bishop can be accessed via the link below. Informal enquiries may be made to the supervisors of the advertised projects.

Obituary for Professor Steve Bishop: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-agricultural-science/article/obituary-professor-stephen-bishop/37A55A18E1D8FCA56D2BC5B56A3056B8

Animal and plant breeding are the most cost effective and sustainable methods for meeting the challenges of a growing world population and the demand for high quality protein. By selecting the best naturally occurring genetic variation, breeding methods improve the efficiency and health and welfare of livestock populations. Modern genomic tools allow more accurate identification and selection of animals carrying the best genes. Such genomic selection has been shown to increase genetic gain by improving accuracy of genetic predictions1. However, this improved accuracy also promotes a higher inbreeding rate, leading to greater loss of genetic variance, inbreeding depression and increased accumulation of deleterious mutations potentially reducing performance and rates of genetic improvement in future generations. The most efficient method to control inbreeding rate identified so far is Optimum Contribution Selection (OCS), which uses the genetic relationship among candidates to maximise genetic gain while controlling the inbreeding rate2.

The benefits of OCS can be enhanced by using genomic information, where more accurate genetic relationships are calculated using SNP genotypes, resulting in better control of inbreeding and greater genetic gain. It also offers the opportunity to develop a more customised approach to manage genetic diversity, by controlling separately the inbreeding at different regions of the genome. This will allow prioritising areas of the genome which need stronger control, and thereby better control of their genetic diversity3.

This project aims at developing tools allowing to control inbreeding in different genomic regions and to overcome some of the shortcomings of current methods. Theoretical studies will evaluate the benefit of this approach to determine the optimal design for its sustainable implementation. Finally, indicators for characterising the diversity status of genomic regions will be developed and used in commercial selected lines.

The project is multidisciplinary and the successful candidate will be trained in constrained optimisation, genomic prediction and management of genetic diversity as well as practical breeding and computational programming. The project would suit a numerically or computationally able student with an interest in agriculture or sustainable development and in having a future career in the booming biosciences sector. In the first year, the student will attend the Quantitative Genetics MSc and computer programming courses. The three supervisors have extensive experience in the analysis of large genomic data and the management of genetic diversity, ensuring that the student will get the necessary training and guidance. The student will also be encouraged to present his/her findings at National and International conferences.

Applications including a full CV with names and addresses (including email addresses) of two academic referees, should be sent to: Liz Archibald, Postgraduate Research Student Administration, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG. Or emailed to [Email Address Removed].

When applying for the studentship please state clearly the title of the studentship and the supervisors in your covering letter/email.