Job Title:

University Professor – Animal Breeding and Genetics (W3 Level)

Location:

Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Berlin, Germany

Reference Code:

W3 Tierzucht und Genetik

Salary Grade:

W3 (or equivalent based on experience and qualifications)

About the Role

This prestigious professorship in animal breeding and genetics offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of a newly established institute at one of Germany’s top universities. The selected candidate will integrate high-impact genetic research with veterinary and equine science education.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Institute for Animal Genetics as its founding director
• Conduct independent, internationally recognized research in animal breeding and genetics
• Teach “Animal Breeding and Genetics, Including Animal Judging” within the veterinary state exam curriculum
• Deliver lectures and practical courses in the Bachelor’s program in Equine Science
• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to ongoing curriculum development
• Actively participate in academic self-governance and promote interdisciplinary collaboration

Eligibility & Appointment Requirements

All applications must comply with Section 100 of the Berlin Higher Education Act (Berliner Hochschulgesetz – BerlHG).

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Strong track record of academic excellence and published research
• Demonstrated experience in university-level teaching
• Proven leadership abilities in institutional or departmental settings
• Dedication to interdisciplinary teamwork and academic self-administration

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online via the Freie Universität Berlin Appointment Portal:

Apply Now

Note: The portal provides complete details on required documents, application deadlines, and the evaluation process.

Summary

This is an exceptional academic opportunity for experts in veterinary genetics and animal breeding. If you are ready to contribute to the growth of a top-tier German university and shape future generations of veterinarians and animal scientists, apply now to join Freie Universität Berlin.

PhD Research Focus: OPISCOW Project

The PhD candidate will work on the OPISCOW Project – Origin, Prevalence, and Impact of Complex Structural Variation in cattle. This exciting research aims to:

• Estimate the de novo mutation rate of structural variants (SVs) in bovine genomes
• Utilize PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing on 50 parent-offspring trios
• Map data to a bovine telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly
• Build haplotype-resolved genome assemblies
• Contribute to the global bovine pangenome initiative

Key Responsibilities

As a PhD student in this genomics project, your role will include:

• Analyzing high-throughput long-read sequencing datasets
• Identifying and characterizing structural variants and mutation rates
• Performing genome assembly and sequence alignment
• Engaging in collaborative international research projects
• Presenting your findings in top journals and scientific conferences

Candidate Requirements

To qualify for this PhD program, applicants must have:

• A Master’s degree (MSc) in genomics, genetics, bioinformatics, or related disciplines
• Programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages
• Experience working with high-performance computing (HPC) clusters
• Strong interest in computational and statistical genomics
• Proficiency in English communication and scientific writing

Why Choose ETH Zurich?

ETH Zurich stands out as a global leader in research and education, offering:

• A world-class environment for genomics and data science
• Excellent research infrastructure and laboratory facilities
• A competitive PhD salary and comprehensive benefits
• A collaborative and inclusive research community
• Exceptional support for career development and publishing opportunities

Important Dates & Application Process

• Start Date: September 1, 2025 (flexible; earlier start possible)
• Application Review Begins: May 20, 2025
• PhD Duration: 4 years (fully funded)

How to Apply:

Submit the following documents through the official ETH Zurich application portal:

1. Motivation letter
2. Updated CV (Curriculum Vitae)
3. Academic transcripts and degree certificates
4. Contact details of two academic referees

Contact Information

For inquiries about the position (not for applications), reach out to:
Prof. Hubert Pausch
Email: hubert.pausch@usys.ethz.ch

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

ETH Zurich is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The university promotes diversity and cultivates an inclusive research culture where every individual can thrive and contribute to innovative science.