From listmaster animalgenome.org Wed Apr 23 14:26:38 2025
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From: "Sam Comstock" <scomstockholstein.com>
Postmaster: submission approved by list moderator
To: Members of AnGenMap <angenmapanimalgenome.org>
Subject: Dairy Geneticist Position Announcement
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:26:38 -0500
Genetic Evaluation and Research Scientist
Holstein Association USA
What We Offer
As the world "largest Holstein breed association" and one of the "largest
cattle breed organizations globally", Holstein Association USA offers an
exciting platform for applied genetic research and innovation. You'll work
with pedigree data spanning more than 20 generations, conformation
phenotypes, and cutting-edge sensor-derived trait data, all backed by
a strong analytics and IT infrastructure.
This is an opportunity to apply your expertise at scale, supported by rich
data, real-world application, and a highly collaborative environment.
You'll be building solutions for the breeders who are directly invested
in this work - our membership.
We offer:
- Access to the deepest and most comprehensive Holstein data in the industry.
- Hands-on work supporting genetic and economic progress for dairy breeders.
- A high-impact role collaborating with industry partners.
- Forward-looking IT infrastructure and support for innovation.
- A respected, mission-driven organization where research meets application.
- Strong business partnerships that expand the reach and value of your work.
Position Summary
We're looking for a Genetic Evaluation and Research Scientist who wants to be
at the center of applied genetics work - an individual contributor who writes
the code, runs the analyses, troubleshoots the pipelines, and sees projects
through from concept to delivery. You will be doing the work -- integrating
genetic and phenotypic data, improving evaluation models, and ensuring
Holstein Association USA stays at the forefront of genetic progress.
Key Responsibilities:
Genetic Evaluation & R&D:
- Conduct and deliver genetic evaluations, including TPI, conformation,
and novel traits.
- Run and maintain evaluation workflows; contribute to system modernization
(e.g., R, Python).
- Design, conduct, and publish research with real-world application to
genetic selection programs.
- Evaluate and implement emerging technologies, such as single-step genetic
evaluations, AI/machine learning, and genomic selection methods, for
integration into research strategy.
- Explore and implement new statistical or genomic methods aligned with
industry needs.
Data Infrastructure & Analytics:
- Manage and analyze large genomic and phenotypic data from national and
global sources.
- Work closely with IT and data teams to maintain data integrity and
support scalable systems. Integrate on-farm and sensor-based data
into evaluation pipelines as needed.
Industry Collaboration & Communication:
- Represent Holstein Association USA in technical discussions with CDCB,
USDA-AGIL, Interbull, universities, AI companies, and peer institutions.
- Translate technical results into applied takeaways for producers,
AI firms, and advisory groups.
- Contribute to educational and outreach materials for producers and
industry audiences.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Animal Breeding, Quantitative Genetics, or a closely related
discipline.
- Strong experience in applied dairy cattle genetics and genetic
evaluation systems.
- Proficient in statistical and data programming (R, Python, SAS, SQL,
Fortran) in a Linux/Unix environment.
- The successful candidate will be coming into an existing code base they
must support and maintain, but will have considerable latitude to retool
(e.g., moving to R and Python) and improve data pipelines moving forward.
- Direct experience with genomic prediction and quantitative methods.
- Strong communication skills for technical and producer-facing audiences.
- Familiarity with dairy production systems and economic drivers of genetic
progress.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with CDCB, Interbull, USDA, or similar evaluation
infrastructures.
- Familiarity with integration of environmental and phenotypic data for
genotype-environment interaction studies.
- Prior experience in team leadership and project management.
- Hands-on experience with dairy herd data, on-farm technologies, or
breeding program design.
As a valued team member, you will receive a competitive wage and a great
benefit package including medical and dental insurance, retirement savings
plan, and paid time off. All set in a pleasant, professional working
atmosphere. If you meet the qualifications noted above, please forward your
cover letter and resume to:
Human Resources
Holstein Association USA, Inc.
1 Holstein Place, PO Box 808
Brattleboro, VT 05302-0808
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