Research Geneticist Animals

The USDA, ARS, Plant Genetics Research Unit (PGRU) in Columbia, Missouri is seeking a Research Geneticist Animals. The scientist will conduct research to develop pigs with improved traits of interest for the swine industry using gene editing techniques. The scientist will use genomic information to predict DNA sequence changes that cause beneficial changes in pig production and then test those changes, in vitro and in vivo where warranted, for the predicted and any off-target effects. The findings are disseminated in the form of reports, presentations and publications in scientific journals. The ideal candidate will have experience generating gene modified animals and characterizing them for changes in phenotypes, using genetic modification techniques for understanding relationships between genes and various physiological functions using tissue culture and whole animals, and publishing research in peer-reviewed scientific journals related to genetics, molecular biology, and/or animal science. The candidate collaborates with other ARS, university and private sector scientists to build a multi-disciplinary team necessary for this research.