Mission
The Data Scientist is responsible for the reliable operation, development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement of genetic evaluation systems and breeding analytics. The role combines large-scale data management, statistical analysis, software development, and genetic-model support to deliver accurate, timely, and trusted genetic evaluations for swine breeding programs.
Working closely with genetics, breeding IT, data, and product-excellence colleagues, the Data Scientist turns complex pedigree, genomic, and performance data into robust operational processes, quality insights, and decision-support tools.Responsibilities
Genetic Evaluation Systems
- Maintain and operate production genetic evaluation systems.
- Run, monitor, and troubleshoot routine genetic evaluation processes, including the weekly index.
- Ensure reliable and timely execution of weekly genetic evaluations.
- Support continuous improvement of evaluation workflows, methods, and operational controls.
Data Engineering and Pipeline Development
- Develop, maintain, document, and optimize routine data-processing pipelines.
- Manage and control large-scale exchanges of database, DNA, pedigree, and performance information.
- Build robust validation, monitoring, and exception-handling into production workflows.
- Ensure data integrity, traceability, reproducibility, and appropriate access throughout the evaluation process.
Quality Assurance and Reporting
- Perform quality assurance of weekly genetic evaluations and investigate unexpected results.
- Develop and maintain weekly and monthly data-quality reports and visualizations.
- Create programs and controls for data-quality assessment, process monitoring, and anomaly detection.
- Communicate quality issues, root causes, risks, and recommended corrective actions to relevant stakeholders.
Analytics and Genetic Model Development
- Conduct data investigations and statistical analyses using breeding, genomic, and production data.
- Contribute to the development, validation, testing, and implementation of genetic models.
- Develop software, algorithms, and reporting tools supporting genetic breeding control.
- Translate analytical findings into practical recommendations for genetics and breeding teams.
Collaboration and Operational Support
- Collaborate with breeding, quantitative genetics, Product Excellence, IT, and data-management teams.
- Provide technical support for recurring evaluations, data interfaces, and decision-support processes.
- Document systems, pipelines, controls, and operating procedures to support continuity and knowledge transfer.
- Participate in cross-functional projects and, where required, travel to company sites or partner locations.
Profile
- Education: MSc or PhD in Animal Breeding, Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline.
- Relevant experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of experience with genetic evaluation, quantitative analytics, breeding programs, genomic data, or comparable high-volume scientific data environments.
- Programming: Strong working knowledge of at least one analytical programming language, preferably R or Python, practical SQL experience considered a bonus.
- Data pipelines: Experience developing, automating, monitoring, and troubleshooting reproducible production data workflows.
- Statistical methods: Sound understanding of statistical modelling; knowledge of breeding values, genomic selection, mixed models, or quantitative genetics is strongly preferred.
- Reporting: Experience producing clear data-quality reports, visualizations, monitoring outputs, and technical documentation.
Hendrix Genetics is a multi-species animal breeding, genetics and technology company that is passionate about animal breeding and our customers. We have breeding programs in laying hens, turkeys, traditional poultry, swine, salmon, shrimp and trout. We are a customer focused business that believes in adding value in every interaction. We look for innovative, sustainable solutions, together with the entire animal protein value chain. At the start of the chain, we have an influence on the outcome. For us, better breeding today, means a brighter life tomorrow. As a Hendrix Genetics employee, you will join us on mission to feed the world. Your values are ideas and beliefs that shape you and guide your choices in life. A company can also have its own set of values, called company values. Hendrix Genetics’ company values are there to help you feel empowered in your role and give you a sense of connection to our place in the world. We strive for excellence, ensure everyone wins and go the extra mile every day. We believe that diverse teams bring a wealth of perspectives, ideas and experiences to the table. Diversity at our company means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths.
What We Can Offer You
Our people are of utmost importance to us. You will work in an environment based on respect, trust and recognition. You will have the opportunity to shape your own career by working locally or internationally with colleagues from around the globe. We believe in your personal development and provide on the job training, continuing education, industry programs and challenging work. We also offer competitive compensation and benefit packages with regular reviews of total compensation. We also ensure that all employees have the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future. Hendrix Genetics has recognized for a long time that there is far more than just efficiency to consider in producing food. What we do today has an impact on the future. Not just our own future, but that of generations to come.
Apply Today
If you are interested in taking on a new challenge and joining our organization, submit your CV directly to this page. We look forward to exploring this opportunity with you!