Summary
The research group of Professor Simon Krattinger at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology invites applications for a fully funded PhD position titled “Decoding the Ancient Genetic History of Wheat.” The project focuses on wheat evolution, domestication history, genetic diversity, and genome-based crop improvement using advanced genomics and bioinformatics approaches. The selected candidate will contribute to understanding wheat adaptation and help develop resources for future global food security.
PhD Scholarship Position: Decoding the Ancient Genetic History of Wheat at KAUST, Saudi Arabia
Designation
PhD Research Student / Doctoral Researcher
Scholarship Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Fully Funded PhD Position |
| Project Title | Decoding the Ancient Genetic History of Wheat |
| Research Group | Professor Simon Krattinger’s Group |
| Institute | KAUST |
| Location | Thuwal, Saudi Arabia |
| Funding Status | Fully Funded PhD Scholarship |
| Research Field | Plant Genomics, Evolutionary Biology, Bioinformatics |
| Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
Research Area
Plant Genomics, Wheat Evolution, Crop Domestication, Comparative Genomics & Bioinformatics.
- Wheat genome evolution and domestication history
- Crop genetic diversity and adaptation
- Evolutionary genomics
- Comparative genomics of wheat species and wild relatives
- Long-read DNA sequencing and genome assembly
- Bioinformatics and computational biology
- Wheat super-pangenome development
- Crop improvement and global food security
Location
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should have:
- A Master’s degree (MSc) in:
- Plant Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Computational Biology
- Related disciplines
Preferred qualifications include:
- Strong interest and experience in computational biology and evolutionary genomics
- Knowledge of genome analysis and comparative genomics
- Experience with:
- Long-read DNA sequencing data
- Genome assembly
- Analysis of complex crop genomes
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and international research environment
Job Description / Research Work
The selected PhD scholar will work on a project aimed at decoding wheat genetic diversity, evolution, and domestication history through genomic data analysis.
Key responsibilities include:
- Generating and analyzing genomic datasets from wheat species and wild wheat relatives
- Investigating genetic variations and haplotype segments shaped by natural and human selection
- Performing comparative genomic analyses
- Contributing to the development of a comprehensive wheat super-pangenome resource
- Applying computational approaches to understand crop adaptation and improvement
- Collaborating with international researchers in genomics and plant science
Scholarship Benefits
- Fully funded PhD position
- Access to advanced genomics facilities and high-performance computing infrastructure
- Opportunity to work in a highly international and research-driven environment
- Generous research support provided by KAUST
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application as a single PDF file via email to:
Prof. Simon Krattinger
Email: simon.krattinger@kaust.edu.sa
The application should include:
- Full Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Publication list (if available)
- Short statement of research interests (maximum one page)
Last Date to Apply
31 August 2026
