Quantitative Plant Geneticist – Canada

AbacusBio Limited; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

AbacusBio Limited seeks a Plant Quantitative Geneticist in Edmonton, Canada. In this role, you will enhance plant breeding outcomes, support genetic evaluations, and manage client relationships within agriculture and forestry sectors. Ideal candidates should possess an MSc or PhD and experience in quantitative genetics, offering exciting opportunities for professional growth and international travel.

Qualifications

• Science degree and higher-level qualification required.
• Strong writing skills and experience in quantitative genetics.
• Understanding of statistical and mathematical models desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct genetic and genomic evaluations for crops.
• Manage client relationships and breeding program design.
• Participate in conferences and workshops.

Skills

Quantitative genetics

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Education

MSc or PhD in a relevant field

Tools

R

SAS

ASReml

Microsoft Office

Job description

AbacusBio Limited is a science consultancy and contract research business that offers services and products in the agricultural, horticultural/cropping, forestry, and aquaculture sectors. The company has bases in Dunedin – New Zealand, Sunshine Coast – Australia, Edmonton – Alberta, and Edinburgh – UK.

We are a vibrant business with an informal atmosphere that actively seeks to progress the careers of our staff members through both internal and external training opportunities.

Consultants and business managers work on a project-to-project basis across a wide range of scientific and business advisory areas. Our values are:

Deliver Excellence Every Day
We take pride in the work we do. We go above and beyond to deliver exceptional impact for our clients and our world.

Be True to Self and Kind to Others
We celebrate the uniqueness, values, and backgrounds of our team and clients. We are grounded, welcoming and all-around good people.

Strong as a Global Team
We care about people. Our strength is teamwork and intellectual collaboration. We draw on global experience and diversity of thought for the benefit of our clients.

Role Overview

Based in our Edmonton, Canada office, the Plant Quantitative Geneticist will support the business and technical development of opportunities in the areas of both plant/crop production systems and evaluation (both inbred and outcrossing plants) while also supporting our business across forest genetic improvement programs.

The role involves working alongside AbacusBio’s clients to enhance outcomes across various plant breeding domains, including:

• Genetic evaluation

Additionally, they will support the production system and technological evaluation, including:

• Business case and strategy development.

You will also contribute to business development and account management.

Whilst employed by AbacusBio, the candidate will be working globally, and interacting with colleagues in New Zealand, North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Key areas of responsibility

• Build on existing networks and clientele to enhance AbacusBio’s profile in breeding objectives and selection index development for plant production systems.
• Trial evaluations and genetic and genomic evaluations.
• Managing existing client relationships in the crop and forestry genetic improvement areas.
• Breeding program design and management, including review and audit of breeding strategies, and cost-benefit analysis of alternative strategies.
• Plant production system development and economic analysis (for trait improvement prioritisation and cost-benefit analysis).
• Design and management of plant breeding trials for clients.
• Monitor and manage the timely and accurate delivery of projects to clients and support the development of internal systems that do the same.
• Participate in third-party conferences, workshops, and meetings to advance knowledge and provide leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful applicant must have a science degree, along with a higher-level post-graduate qualification (MSc or PhD), have strong writing skills and an in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office tools. Essential knowledge includes R, SAS or other data analysis tools, and experience with genetic evaluation software for plants (e.g. ASReml) is desirable. An understanding of statistical theory, probability theory, or mathematical modelling is highly desirable

Key Attributes

Experience in quantitative genetics, genetic improvement, production science/systems, and have formal training in either plant breeding or genetics.
A working knowledge of quantitative genetics methods is essential, and experience in both inbred crops and outcrossing plants is highly desirable.
Knowledge of statistical and mathematical software packages used in the company and be capable of writing and editing reports and documents.
Must have strong interpersonal skills and be capable of communicating effectively with farmers, researchers/scientists, business/technical managers, and government organisations from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Efficiency, pragmatism, and time management will be key skills. You will be responsible for technical lead, and project management aspects of project delivery and will be expected to demonstrate previous experience in these areas.
Good domestic and international networks within at least one of crops (agriculture or horticulture) and/or forestry.
Willingness to undertake international travel. The ability and desire to work in a business environment are essential.