Statistical Geneticist at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the coordination of field data collection and feedback activities; working closely with both national and international research and development partners
• Contribute to the assessment and testing of innovative approaches to livestock genetic improvement that can deliver substantial improvements to poor farmers in low-input environments and a developing country setting
• Support genetic and genomic evaluation systems and development of genomic tools in collaboration with national and regional breeding programs
• Contribute to the development of new research proposals and /building/reviewing of databases for ruminant and poultry livestock performance recording, monitoring and farmer feedback for use in developing countries
• Develop tools and guidelines around topical issues affecting AnGR improvement, utilization and development in developing countries based on the data generated and the learnings from on-going projects
• Publish research results in peer- reviewed journals, conference proceedings or other public media
• Supervise MSc and PhD students from different countries on relevant topics
• Support team members in training partners in statistical analyses as part of capacity strengthening of the national and regional breeding programs, especially in data analyses and genomic breeding value predictions
• Coordinate and facilitate scientific exchanges with partners from both developed and developing countries to enhance practical skills in improved dairy cattle and enhanced utilization of other livestock species, especially sheep, goats and chickens under low input commercial settings
• Contribute to the communication of related livestock genetics and breeding program work at ILRI work, e.g. through preparation of ILRI publications such as working papers, policy briefs, technical reports, journal publications, conference papers and presentations at relevant fora
• Contribute to the running of workshops and meetings for specific projects (ILRI-UNE, SRUC, ADGG, ACGG AVCD)
• Establish and maintain professional contacts, and interact with both national and international officials and experts, other researchers, international organizations, development partners, and stakeholders in area of livestock genetic improvement.
• Contributing to the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops organized or co-organized by the research team and program.
• Participate in relevant institutional committees

Requirements

• 3 years post-doctoral experience Genetics and Genomics
• Strong capabilities in quantitative analysis, with demonstrated experience in mixed model methodologies (especially experience with the use of ASREML), genomic selection and general application of molecular information (genomic tools) in practical animal breeding
• Proficiency in at least one statistical package, such as SAS, R or GenStat and in livestock database design, management and use
• Familiarity with approaches to achieve data integration, interoperability and visualization;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate research results in the form of reports or scientific publications
• A good track record of scientific publications and resource mobilization
• Demonstrated ability to work in team, network, prioritize, deliver under pressure and within set deadlines
• Evidence of excellent written and spoken English
• Experience in managing field and data analytics teams

Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya

Position level: The position level is 4C.

Duration: 3 years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.

Benefits: ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes 15% Pension, Medical insurance, Life insurance and allowances for: Education, Housing, Relocation, Home leave, Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + public holidays.