Principal Scientific Officer – Head of Livestock Genetics and Breeding

Principal Scientific Officer Head of Livestock Genetics and Breeding

REF: IRC330836

DEPARTMENT: Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute Northern Ireland (AFBI)

SALARY: 61,673 - 64,469 (under review)

LOCATION: AFBI Hillsborough, Large Park, Hillsborough, BT26 6DR, Northern Ireland. However, they may on occasion be expected to work at other sites in Northern Ireland as required.

Further permanent and fixed term appointments may be made from this competition should AFBI positions become vacant which have similar duties and responsibilities.

This role offers a unique opportunity to join the Agri-Food and BioSciences Institute (AFBI) as Head of Livestock Genetics and Breeding. The successful candidate will lead groundbreaking research that will shape the future of sustainable livestock production in Northern Ireland and beyond. Using AFBI s extensive research farm platform and the NIFAB (biobank) database, the post holder will drive innovation in genomics, genetics and data science, lead a high-performing scientific team, influence industry and government policy, and collaborate with leading national and international partners to deliver real-world impact.

For more detailed information, including the duties and responsibilities of the post, and the criteria to be used during the recruitment and selection process, please click on the Candidate Information Booklet link below.

In order to apply for this position, please click on the Apply for this job online link below to register to this vacancy and to submit an online application.

Please carefully review your application before submitting. Once submitted, no edits or updates can be made to your application.

Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 30th October 2026.

ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT

All queries can be directed to HRConnect by:

Email: recruitment@hrconnect.nigov.net

Telephone: 0800 1 300 330

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Candidate Information Booklet

Apply for this job online

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