Location: Newstead (Hamilton)
Work Type: Permanent, Full-time, 40 hours/week
Estimated Salary: $130,000–$175,000
DairyNZ’s Story
Progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming Te whanake anamata angitu mō ngā pāmu kau o Aotearoa
Dairy matters—to farmers, to science, and to New Zealand. As a global leader in dairy innovation, we fuel regional communities and invest in the future through science, sustainability, and smarter farming systems. Join us to help shape the future of Aotearoa’s national dairy herd and make a real-world impact.
About NZAEL (A DairyNZ Subsidiary)
New Zealand Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL) drives genetic progress in the dairy sector. We:
- Operate DIGAD – the Dairy Industry Good Animal Database
- Deliver trusted genetic evaluations for NZ dairy cattle
- Steward the National Breeding Objective for efficient, sustainable cows
- Collaborate globally in quantitative genetics and genomics
We’re science-led, farmer-focused, and internationally connected.
The Opportunity
We’re seeking a Genetics Science Lead to shape New Zealand’s dairy cattle genetic strategy. This high-impact role leads a team of geneticists and guides the scientific direction of our national evaluation system. You’ll collaborate with research institutions, industry partners, and farmers to ensure our systems remain world-class and deliver real results.
About the Role
You will:
- Lead NZAEL’s genetics strategy and delivery
- Drive research in quantitative genetics
- Enhance national genetic evaluation systems
- Translate science into practical tools for farmers
- Represent DairyNZ nationally and internationally
- Lead and grow a high-performing genetics team
- Influence policy and foster sector-wide collaboration
About You
You’re a proven science leader with a strong mix of research, industry insight, and practical application.
Essential:
- PhD in genetics, animal breeding, or quantitative genetics
- 7+ years leading applied genetics programmes
- Expertise in statistical modelling and genetic evaluation
- Strong leadership and team development skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
Preferred:
- Experience with genomic data in breeding systems
- Familiarity with NZ dairy or pasture-based livestock systems
- Programming skills (e.g. R, Julia, BOLT, Unix)
- International collaboration or published research
Join us in making smarter breeding decisions the norm across Aotearoa’s dairy farms. View the full position description here.
Applications close: 13 August 2025, 11:55pm NZ
