MSc and PhD in Quantitative Genetics: The South Dakota State University (SDSU) is among the top research universities in the state that specializes in agricultural innovation and environmental sciences. The school is accepting applications to a fully funded Master/PhD post for Spring 2026.
The positions are offered through the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science. This opportunity will give graduate students a chance to work on cutting-edge research at the intersection of quantitative genetics, genomics, plant breeding, and artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on Sorghum and Corn improvement for sustainable agriculture.
MSc and PhD in Quantitative Genetics Program Description
This graduate program is aimed at the creation and development of data-oriented breeding policies, which enhance the resilience, productivity, and sustainability of grains such as sorghum and corn. The students will observe the ways in which genetic, environmental, and phenotypic data may be combined in order to accelerate breeding.
Core research areas include:
- Multi-source data manager (manual, proximal, UAV).
- Omics integration and data mining.
- Mixed-model, GxE and GWAS.
- Intelligent predictive modelling and personality prediction.
Qualifications/ Eligibility – MSc and PhD in Quantitative Genetics
The candidates to the Master’s and PhD positions must possess a good academic background and must show interest in plant genetics and computational analysis.
In addition, applicants must have:
- A strong background or degree in Plant Sciences or Agronomy or Crop Science or Genetics, or any related science.
- Strong programming skills in R or Python.
- Interest in field research and computational modelling.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Prior experience in bioinformatics, quantitative genetics or statistical modelling will be an added benefit to the candidates.
Application Process – MSc and PhD in Quantitative Genetics
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official SDSU application link; Apply Here
Note: Only the applications received via this link only will be taken into consideration.
The following materials should be prepared by the applicants:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with academic and research experience.
- Statement of Purpose explaining research interests and the reason for joining the program.
- Academic Transcripts
- Contact Information to References.
Why Pursue Graduate Studies at South Dakota State University?
Funded Opportunity: The MSc and PhD opportunities are fully funded and have competitive stipend as well as research support.
Thoughtfully advanced Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Students will conduct on-the-job data-driven research and interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of genetics, data science, and engineering disciplines to develop a solution to complex agricultural issues.
Mentorship and Innovation: Opportunity to work on the projects directly with the mentors at SDSU who are experts in modern breeding of plants, computational genetics and the application of machine learning in crop science.
Why This Opportunity Is Unique
The unique aspect of this Master and PhD opportunity in SDSU is its mix of the genetic, technology, and artificial intelligence in addressing the modern agricultural challenges.
This program is founded on AI-based innovations that are data-intensive as opposed to the traditional plant breeding programs.
By participating in this program, the students will:
- Make contributions in food security and climate resilience research applicable to the world.
- Research institutes and other international agri-tech companies are seeking skilled personnel in technical and analytical aspects of demand.
- Get acquainted with the utilization of the latest breeding tools and data analysis.
- Gain professional networking in the industry.
Deadline
Start Date: Spring 2026
Address: Brookings, South Dakota.