Breeding Coordinator, Breeding Insight Program

Breeding Coordinator, Breeding Insight Program

Breeding Coordinator, Breeding Insight Program
Research Associate

We seek a Breeding Coordinator to work with USDA on small specialty crop and animal breeding programs to build, customize, and adopt genomics and breeding data management and analysis systems, enabling these programs to accelerate genetic gains.

With the support of the USDA-ARS, Breeding Insight at Cornell University is the first large-scale public-sector effort to systematically apply genomic information to the breeding of specialty crops and animals. The project will implement and use breeding and genomic data management systems to enhance the capacity of public-sector breeding programs to deliver increased rates of genetic gain. The breeding, genomic, and phenotypic data management systems will include databases, analytics, and decision support tools for breeders. A wide range of open source tools and platforms have already been built for breeding efforts in major crops and animals. This project will leverage these software development efforts, and focus on integration, cloud deployment, and ease of use for small breeding programs.

The Breeding Coordinator position will be located in Ithaca, NY at Cornell University and will report directly to the Breeding Insight project director. The Breeding Coordinator will manage three additional positions; a Phenomics Coordinator, a Genomics Coordinator, and a Bioinformatics Coordinator, as well as work closely with a Lead Developer leading a team of developers, all co-located in Ithaca, to integrate tools and algorithmic solutions into the ARS and US breeding programs. Long-term success will be based on evidence of a measurable increase in the rate of genetic gain in the breeding programs. Funding for the effort is initially focused on tool development and developing genomic resources, but if successful will expand to large scale implementation across over sixty breeding programs. The project will ensure the platform will be available to the entire diversity-study community and will lead training workshops for its effective use.

The Breeding Coordinator, along with the Phenomic Data specialist and the Genomics specialist, will conduct site visits to interact with selected breeding programs to understand their needs and ensure that tools that meet those needs are developed. They will also work with the breeders to tailor their programs to make optimal use of new capacities provided by the Breeding Insight. Initially, the platform will address four use cases: efficient genotyping, breeding data quality control, genomic prediction, and identification of novel favorable variants. In the first two years, the project will focus on five breeding programs during the pilot phase (alfalfa, blueberry, grape, sweet potato, and trout). In years 3-5, the project will expand along with its coordination team to extend the results to additional remaining pre-breeding and breeding programs.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities/Anticipated Division of Time
* Breeding process use-case gathering and documentation. Requires a knowledge of the application of genomics to breeding systems. Requires an ability to actively listen to and interpret users' needs, ask good questions to analyze the real need, identify gaps, find solutions, write clear and concise documentation and facilitate a shared understanding of the problem with the development team. 35%
* Lead integration of Breeding Insight system functions into breeding workflows, track adoption of the technology and study the impact of the system on the breeding programs. 20%
* Supervising and mentoring a Phenomics Coordinator, a Genomics Coordinator, and a Bioinformatics Coordinator. 15%
* Collaborating with Breeding Insight Developers and adjacent Cornell projects. 15%
* Develop workshop content and case studies, provide peer to peer training and instruction on the use of Breeding Insight system features. 15%

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented identities to apply.

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

To apply, please submit CV and cover letter here: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/18086

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

The Breeding Coordinator will be recruited based on core competency in several different areas, including applied plant breeding, bioinformatics, and quantitative genetics. A PhD in plant or animal breeding or related field is required, as well as a minimum of 3 years' relevant post-PhD experience, with industry experience being advantageous. Excellent communication and collaboration management skills are required in both face-to-face meetings and via conference calls and web meetings. Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills are required. Excellent written communication skills especially in the space of documentation is required. Experience of clearly presenting project updates and scientific content to a diverse community is required. Knowledge of information technology in breeding, experience with specialty crops, experience working across cross-functional teams, and experience of managing a team is preferred. Travel is expected within the United States at a level of 25-30%.

Employment Assistance:

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 Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity at voice (607) 255-3976, fax (607) 255-7481, or email at owdi@cornell.edu.

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting.

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.