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Animal Genetics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Genus PLC

Beef Geneticist

De Forest, WI · On-site +1

$75K - $104K/yr

PhD in Animal Breeding, Quantitative Genetics, Genomics, Animal Science, or a related discipline. * Minimum of 5 years of experience in genetic evaluation, animal breeding, or genomic prediction ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

AZ

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

AZ

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

CA

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

AZ

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

TX

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

NM

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

CA · On-site

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

AZ

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

NM

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

NM

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

TX

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

TX · On-site

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

NM

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

AZ

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

TX · On-site

$50K/yr

Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health ...

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Animal Genetics information

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How much do animal genetics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal genetics in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal geneticist?

Animal geneticists are scientists who study the genes, heredity, and variation in animals. They work to understand how traits are passed from one generation to the next and how these traits can be managed or improved for purposes such as agriculture, conservation, and disease prevention. Animal geneticists may work in research, breeding programs, academia, or in industry settings, using both traditional breeding methods and advanced biotechnology. Their work helps improve animal health, productivity, and adaptability to changing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal geneticist?

To thrive as an Animal Geneticist, you need a strong background in genetics, biology, data analysis, and typically a degree in animal science or a related field, often with advanced study (MSc or PhD). Familiarity with laboratory techniques, genetic analysis software, and bioinformatics tools is commonly required, alongside knowledge of statistical modeling. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you collaborate on research projects and convey complex findings. These competencies enable animal geneticists to advance breeding programs, improve animal health, and contribute to scientific innovations in agriculture and veterinary fields.

How does collaboration typically work between animal geneticists and other professionals in the field?

Animal geneticists frequently collaborate with veterinarians, animal nutritionists, breeders, and laboratory technicians to achieve shared goals such as improving animal health, productivity, and genetic traits. Teamwork often involves regular meetings, joint research projects, and data sharing to integrate genetic findings with practical breeding or management strategies. Effective communication is key, as geneticists must explain complex genetic concepts to colleagues from diverse backgrounds. This collaborative environment helps ensure that scientific advancements are translated into real-world improvements in animal agriculture or conservation.

What is the difference between Animal Genetics vs Animal Breeding?

AspectAnimal GeneticsAnimal Breeding
Required CredentialsDegree in Genetics, Animal Science, or related field; laboratory skillsDegree in Animal Science, Breeding, or related; practical breeding experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, universitiesFarms, breeding programs, fieldwork
Industry UsageResearch, genetic improvement, molecular analysisSelective breeding, herd improvement, livestock production

Animal Genetics focuses on understanding and manipulating the genetic makeup of animals through research and laboratory work, while Animal Breeding emphasizes applying breeding techniques to improve livestock traits in practical settings. Both roles are essential in livestock industries but differ mainly in their approach—scientific research versus applied breeding practices.

How much money do animal geneticists make?

Animal geneticists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those in research and academia may offer higher compensation, especially with specialized skills in genetics and bioinformatics.

How to become an animal geneticist?

To become an animal geneticist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in genetics, biology, or a related field, followed by a master's or Ph.D. in animal genetics or a similar specialization. Gaining experience through internships, research projects, and developing skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis are important for career advancement.
More about Animal Genetics jobs

What cities are hiring for Animal Genetics jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Genetics job openings:

What states have the most Animal Genetics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Genetics jobs include:

Animal Genetics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Genetics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

Visiting Research Scientist - Ruminant Breeding and Genetics-2181

Langston, OK • On-site

Oklahoma State University

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Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

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Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Visiting Research Scientist - Ruminant Breeding and Genetics-2181

Apply now Job no: 493789
Work type: Staff Full-time
Location: Langston
Categories: Research

Campus

LANGSTON

Contact Name & Email

Nika Wilson, luhumanresources@langston.edu

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends.

Appointment Length

Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

Hiring Range

$42,000 - $45,000

Commensurate with education and experience

Priority Application Date

While applications will be accepted until a successful candidate has been hired, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by to ensure full consideration.

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references.

About this Position

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program in basic and/or applied animal breeding and genetics fields, both independently and in collaboration with other scientists on research of interest. The individual is expected to supervise student workers and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. The successful candidate is also expected to participate in extension programs of ruminant production.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

A PhD in Animal Science or a closely related discipline is required. Profound knowledge and experience in animal breeding, molecular breeding, animal genetics, quantitative genetics, or biological informatics are required. The incumbent should have a demonstrated interest in goats, beef cattle, and/or hair sheep with a strong background in animal breeding research. The incumbent must have a demonstrated ability to conduct research appropriate for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The incumbent should be knowledgeable in methods of data handling and statistical analysis used in animal science research, and will be expected to possess considerable skills in both oral and written communication. The ability to work cooperatively with others is essential for successful teamwork.

NOTE:

Although experience is a desired quality for this position, what is even more important is an expressed passion for work, the ability to learn quickly, an optimistic attitude, a desire to serve people and communities, and the ability to be an ultimate teammate. In this regard, the position offers exceptional growth opportunities for early- to mid-career professionals and fosters collaborative work.

Required Qualification
  • A PhD in Animal Science or a closely related discipline is required. 
  • (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)
  • Profound knowledge and experience in animal breeding, molecular breeding, animal genetics, quantitative genetics, or biological informatics are required.
  • The incumbent should have a demonstrated interest in goats, beef cattle, and/or hair sheep with a strong background in animal breeding research. The incumbent must have a demonstrated ability to conduct research appropriate for publication in peer-reviewed journals

Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

  • The incumbent should be knowledgeable in methods of data handling and statistical analysis used in animal science research and will be expected to possess considerable skills in both oral and written communication.
  • The ability to work cooperatively with others is essential for successful teamwork.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Ph.D./Ed.D- A PhD in Animal Science or a closely related discipline is required.
  • Profound knowledge and experience in animal breeding, molecular breeding, animal genetics, quantitative genetics, or biological informatics are required.
  • The incumbent should have a demonstrated interest in goats, beef cattle, and/or hair sheep with a strong background in animal breeding research.
  • The incumbent must have a demonstrated ability to conduct research appropriate for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • The incumbent should be knowledgeable in methods of data handling and statistical analysis used in animal science research, and will be expected to possess considerable skills in both oral and written communication.
  • The ability to work cooperatively with others is essential for successful teamwork.

Advertised: 26 Jan 2026 Central Standard Time
Applications close:

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