AIPL: Careers

Careers at the Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory

Skills needed for employment

The Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory (AIPL) employs research geneticists and support staff that includes animal scientists, information technology specialists, and office staff. The research applies high level statistical and genetic theory to extremely large databases that contain records for millions of dairy animals. Computer programming, math, science, and English skills are required for almost all positions at AIPL. Specific knowledge of SAS, C, Fortran, or DB2 and advanced courses in statistics are all useful. Data analysis requires an understanding of the data collected and of genetic principles. Thus, experience with dairy cattle breeding and college training in animal sciences are both useful. Graduate degrees and training in animal breeding, genetics, and statistics are necessary for research geneticist positions.

Current job openings

Postdoctoral Research Associate Position: Research Geneticist (Animal), GS-11/12
Announcement Number: RA-09-042L
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The incumbent will develop procedures to estimate genetic merit for health and fitness traits of dairy animals so that production efficiency of the national dairy population can be improved. Accuracy of available health and reproductive data will be examined, and application of state-of-the-art genetic evaluation models will be investigated. The incumbent will be responsible for data validation, determination of the most useful health measures, completion of statistical analyses, and preparation of scientific articles for publication.

Citizenship restrictions: Applicants must clearly indicate in their resume/CV their country of citizenship and must be a citizen from a country listed on http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/jobs/VISA/countries.htm.

Application procedures: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/hrdhomepage/vacancy/pd962.html