Quantitative Geneticist - Aquaculture

Genus PLC is seeking a Quantitative Geneticist for its St Andrews, UK location. The role involves designing and implementing genetic services for aquaculture, collaborating with specialists and managing breeding programs. Candidates should have an MSc/PhD in a related field, strong programming skills in R, and excellent communication abilities. The position requires national and international travel, and while aquaculture experience is preferred, it is not mandatory.
Role Overview
We are looking for a Quantitative Geneticist to join our skilled genetic services team of applied geneticists, aquaculture specialists and software developers.





This is a critical role that will interact closely with our aquaculture specialists and laboratory scientists to design and implement industry leading genetic services for our clients.





The position will report directly to the Head of Genetics and have a dotted line to Head of Breeding Programs in St Andrews, Scotland.





Note that we are open to quantitative geneticists without pure aqua culture experience, but you must have strong programming and technical expertise


You Will

Work alongside other colleagues in the genetic services team to design and deliver customised breeding programmes to our clients that meet their commercial objectives
Develop strong relationships and to obtain understanding of customer’s production conditions and commercial goals
Manage the day-to-day running of our programmes, co-ordinating the necessary resources and acting as a member of our customers' teams and provide consultancy and support at key times in their breeding programme.
Deliver high quality genetic analyses including:




Estimation of breeding values
Broodstock selections
Population genetic assessments
Identification of functional markers



Contribute to the development and maintenance of the analytical infrastructure that is required for processing genetic and genomic data, in particular custom R packages that are used for routine analytical tasks.
Communicate the results of genetic analyses to clients and colleagues.
Deliver training courses to colleagues and clients.
National and international travel required.

Requirements

MSc / PhD in aquaculture, animal breeding ,quantitative genetics, population genetics or related field.
Strong programming skills in R.
Strong negotiation, communication and influencing skills.
Innovative, highly self-motivated and collaborative with the ability to respond to changing demands are key requirements for success in this role.
Excellent verbal & written communication skills with a strong attention to detail.

Desirable



Experience using linear-mixed models for the estimation of breeding values.
Familiarity with tools for processing and analysing large sequence datasets.
Knowledge of aquaculture genetics and applied aquaculture breeding.

Business Overview
Xelect is one of the largest aquaculture genetics companies, providing broodstock management and genetic improvement programmes for some of the best known producers globally. We support around 30 breeding programmes, in 12 different countries for 13 different species, including finfish, shrimp and bivalves.


We provide our customers with a full range of genetic services and technologies, ranging from strategic consultancy for government agencies to full genomic selection programmes for some of the biggest producers in the industry.





Genus is an agricultural biotechnology pioneer. We are a global FTSE 250 company, headquartered in the UK, and listed on the London Stock Exchange. Genus PLC has a presence in over 70 countries and a global workforce of over 3,000 employees and growing. We are a worldwide leader in porcine and bovine animal genetics, partnering with farmers to transform how we nourish the world – a mission that is important to a sustainable future.





Our vision is clear: Pioneering animal genetic improvement to sustainably nourish the world.





Genus Values



Collaborate as One Team
Create Value for Customers
Innovate with Purpose
Never stop improving

DEI





Genus is a place where you can be yourself and be part of a growing global team. We have a culture of respect, openness and fairness for all. Whatever your background, your role or your area of work, you will have the chance to thrive in an environment that inspires, challenges and supports you to succeed.





Tackling climate change:






Monitor and identify goals for the reduction of our GHG emissions from our own operations.
Drive porcine and bovine genetic improvements which support productivity gains and improve feed efficiency, enabling a reduction in the production of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of milk or meat produced
Identify facility and other opportunities for reductions in GHG emissions, consistent with our goals
Partner and advocate for policies that advance positive climate goals and identified United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Benefits Overview

Performance related bonus
25 days holidays + Bank Holidays
Health Cash back scheme
Employee Assistance Program
Employee share plan
Hybrid working: 3 days per week in the office. Remote working will be considered for suitable applicants.
Flexible Working Policy (Where appropriate/practicable)
Enhanced maternity leave 12 weeks at full pay followed by 4 weeks at 50% followed by SMP
Comprehensive L&D program including career development programs, access to Genus University and Mango (languages)

Equal Employment Opportunities
Genus is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Genus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Genus conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.


Recruitment Fraud Warning
Genus plc will never ask you to provide fees or payment for computer, software, or other equipment or supplies during the recruitment and/or onboarding process. If you have any questions about your individual application, please contact the Genus Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@genusplc.com.