Cornell University, Institute of Biotechnology
*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***
Position Description
The Breeding Insight Genomics Coordinator will lead the integration of statistical analyses of genotypic 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 19 ARS specialty species with 9 more expected at the start of 2024.
The Genomics Coordinator will have proven expertise in applying genetic principles to enable the interpretation of biological phenomena and provide information that guides strategies and optimizes resources in specialty breeding programs. The Genomics 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 contributing to breeding decision support tool creation at BI. The Genomics Coordinator will also participate in weekly meetings, annual site visits, and provide breeding decision support. Through the process of supporting these programs, the Genomics Coordinator will gain the experience necessary to set use-case and development priorities.
The Genomics Coordinator will be a highly visible person central to the success of Breeding Insight and will report to the Genomics Lead. 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:
- Coordinates with breeders at multiple breeding locations across the US to understand their breeding objectives, data analytic needs, and to manage project deliverables.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Requirements:
The coordinator will be recruited based on core competency in several different areas, including plant or animal breeding, molecular biology and genomics, GWAS, linkage mapping, QTL studies, genomic selection, bioinformatics, quantitative genetics, and project management. The ability to conduct analyses on large data sets and interpret results for decision-making is required. Must be proficient with Excel, R, Linux/Unix systems, Python/perl, and shell scripting. Must have experience in linkage mapping, QTL studies, genomic selection, data storage and 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 haplotype genetics are beneficial. Above all, the coordinator must have demonstrated exceptional verbal and written communication skills. 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.
This
position is a two-year term appointment with the possibility of extension contingent
upon continued funding.
The position is located in Ithaca, NY on the Cornell University campus but remote work options are possible for candidates working within the continental US and are willing to travel.
Benefits and rewards include:
Comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, and more.
Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
Impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Part-Time Study and Employee Degree Program, heavily discounted eCornell courses and certificate programs, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.
Employment Assistance:
For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff from all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
- Prior relevant work or industry experience.
- Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
- Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
- Unique applicable skills.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
Further Info: