Scientist Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC); Hamilton; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) in Hamilton, NZ is seeking a Scientist in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. You will lead applied ML/AI projects to turn genomic, farm and animal data into practical insights for breeders and farmers.

You will collaborate with genetics, bioinformatics, statistics, software engineering and external partners to deliver measurable value in New Zealand dairy farming.

Qualifications

• PhD or Masters in ML, CS, Stats or equivalent.
• Experience applying ML/AI to biological or agricultural data.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and run research projects.
• Experience with PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Experience with large-scale data processing in cloud/HPC.
• Familiarity with NZ dairy industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply ML/AI approaches to biological and agricultural challenges.
• Identify opportunities to create new insights, phenotypes, products and services.
• Transform large genomic, animal and farm data into actionable outcomes for LIC.
• Evaluate and adopt emerging AI/ML technologies for dairy farming and herd improvement.

Skills

ML/AI

Data analysis

Genomics

Communication

Collaboration

Education

PhD in ML/CS/Stats

MSc in a relevant field

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

AWS

Job description

https://careers.lic.co.nz/jobs/8508301-dairy-scientist-ai-machine-learning

Help shape the future of New Zealand dairy through AI and machine learning

As a Scientist in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, you'll help shape the future of dairy farming by applying advanced AI, machine learning and data science techniques to some of the industry's most complex challenges.

Working within a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment, you'll lead and contribute to projects that transform LIC's unique animal, genomic, production and farm data into practical insights and solutions for farmers. You'll develop and apply machine learning models, generative AI tools and advanced analytical approaches to improve herd performance, accelerate scientific discovery, identify new phenotypes and support the development of innovative products and services.

You'll work closely with experts in genetics, animal health, bioinformatics, statistics and software engineering, while also building relationships with external research organisations, technology partners and the wider AI research community. This is an opportunity to apply cutting-edge AI techniques to real-world problems and deliver measurable value to New Zealand dairy farmers, while working with one of the world's largest and most comprehensive dairy datasets.

Your Key Focus:

• Developing and applying machine learning, artificial intelligence and advanced analytical approaches to solve complex biological and agricultural challenges.
• Identifying opportunities to use AI and machine learning to create new insights, phenotypes, products and services.
• Transforming large-scale genomic, animal and farm datasets into actionable outcomes for farmers and LIC.
• Evaluating and adopting emerging AI, machine learning and data science technologies relevant to dairy farming and herd improvement.

About You:

You are passionate about machine learning and artificial intelligence and applying it to real world problems that deliver a real impact. You'll have the skills, experience or qualifications required to deliver this and to stand as an expert in your field. You'll enjoy working collaboratively, be naturally curious, and have a passion for turning data and science into practical outcomes that improve breeding decisions, animal health, farm productivity and the sustainability of New Zealand dairy farming.

We are interested in candidates with the following attributes:

• A PhD or Masters in a relevant field (Machine Learning, Computer Science, Stats etc) or equivalent industry experience in the field.
• Curious and innovative with a constant desire to learn and develop new skills
• The ability to work with a diverse team of multi-disciplinary researchers
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to plan and independently run research projects
• Experience developing machine learning models using modern AI frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow or equivalent.
• Experience with large-scale data processing, cloud or HPC environments, and modern generative AI techniques is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with farming and the New Zealand Dairy industry would be a significant asset, along with a willingness to undertake both research and commercial focused work.