The Breeding Insight Biometrics Coordinator will lead the integration of statistical analyses from genotypic and phenotypic data to provide breeding-decision support efforts for USDA-ARS specialty plant and animal breeders. The Coordinator, in concert with the science and software engineering teams, will work as part of a national initiative to extend the application of genotypic information to routine development of specialty crops and animals. Breeding of specialty crops and animals has lagged behind major crops and livestock, though these specialty species together have equal economic value to the major crops and provide valuable nutrition and flavor to diets. One of Breeding Insight’s aims is to accelerate breeding efforts by integrating the use of phenomics (trait analysis) with genomics and natural variation to increase the rate of genetic gain to create healthy, nutritious, and sustainable specialty crops and animals.  Breeding Insight currently supports 18 ARS breeding programs.

The Biometrics Coordinator will have expertise on applying genetic principles to enable interpretation of biological phenomena and provide information that guide strategies and optimize resources in specialty breeding programs.

The Biometrics Coordinator is responsible for working directly with the breeders to assist them in implementing optimal experimental and trial design, data processing for statistical analyses, and contribute to breeding decisions support tool creation at BI. The Biometrics Coordinator will also participate in weekly meetings, annual site visits, and provide breeding decision support. Through the process of supporting these programs, the Biometrics Coordinator will gain the experience necessary to set use-case and development priorities.

The Biometrics Coordinator will be a highly visible person central to the success of Breeding Insight and will report to the Breeding Coordinator. The Breeding Insight project integrates a team of USDA-ARS breeders (based at research locations across the US), with a scientific team and a software development team.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities/Anticipated Division of Time:

• Coordinates with breeders at multiple breeding locations across the US to understand their breeding objectives, data analytic needs, and to manage project deliverables. 30%
  
• Works with PIs and breeders at USDA centers and universities to develop workflows for genomic-phenomic data analyses, specify use-cases that clearly spell out the computational and interface requirements of the breeders, and form project plans to develop key capabilities and integrate Breeding Insight into each breeding program. 25%
• Overall, combines these communications into a regular process in conjunction with the development cycle implemented by the software team to ensure a well-defined roadmap of new methods and features. 25%
• In communication with breeders, designs and helps execute evaluation experiments and analyses of features introduced by Breeding Insight on which follow-up requirement documents are based. 20%

Required Qualifications:

A PhD in the field of quantitative genetics, molecular breeding, plant or animal genetics, biological informatics, molecular biology, or related field, plus three years’ postdoctoral or equivalent post PhD experience is required. The coordinator will be recruited based on core competency in several different areas, including GWAS, linkage mapping, QTL studies, genomic selection, bioinformatics, and project management.  The ability to conduct statistical analyses on large data sets and interpret results for decision making is required.  Must be proficient with ASReml, Linux/Unix systems, Python/perl, and shell scripting.  Must have experience in linkage mapping, QTL studies, genomic selection, data analysis, and project management.  Experience with multiple animals or crops, and experience working with diverse teams are preferred. Knowledge of information technologies, analytics, and methods appropriate for polyploid genomic data and/or image analysis are beneficial.  Above all, the coordinator must have demonstrated exceptional verbal and written communication skills.  

This position is a two-year term appointment with the possibility of extension contingent upon continued funding.

Remote and hybrid work arrangements within the United States possible under appropriate circumstances.