Xelect is one of the largest aquaculture genetics companies, providing broodstock management and genetic improvement programmes for some of the best known producers globally. We support around 30 breeding programmes, in 12 different countries for 13 different species, including finfish, shrimp and bivalves.
We provide our customers with a full range of genetic services and technologies, ranging from strategic consultancy for government agencies to full genomic selection programmes for some of the biggest producers in the industry.
Our Breeding Programme Mangers are the front line of everything we do at Xelect. With an expert team of biologists, geneticists, laboratory staff and bioinformaticians behind you, you will lead the genetics programmes for our customers, working directly with them to design, implement and develop their broodstock programme.
Our sector and company is growing fast, as we take on new customers all around the world, developing selective breeding programmes for new and established species, using the latest technologies.
For our customers, working with you will be like having access to their own in-house genetics team, and you will work closely with them to design, deliver and optimize their selective breeding programmes.
Our Breeding Programme Managers are highly qualified experts, typically with a PhD (and at least an MSc) in aquaculture, fish reproduction or animal breeding. Xelect offers significant opportunities for career development, with a flat structure and a clear career path for ambitious and motivated individuals.
The life of a Programme Manager
The role is extremely varied, challenging and rewarding. Key aspects of the role include:
Design, co-ordinate and implement new genetics programmes that deliver significant commercial returns for our customers' businesses.
Regularly visit our customers, developing strong personal relationships and getting a deep understanding of their production conditions and commercial goals.
Manage the day-to-day running of our programmes, co-ordinating the necessary internal resources and acting as a virtual member of our customers' teams.
Handle large datasets and work with our in-house customer databases. Perform and deliver the necessary phenotyping and selective breeding analyses using our in-house selection and simulation software
Liaise with our in-house specialist genetics laboratory to ensure that projects are delivered on time, on budget and to optimise the genetic tools required for your programmes.
Provide hands on consultancy and support to our customers at key times in their breeding programme.
Backed by a team of experts
You'll be backed by a highly qualified multidisciplinary technical team of aquaculture experts, quantitative geneticists, bioinformaticians, software developers, molecular biologists and a strong commercial team. Our headquarters are in the medieval university town of St Andrews on the East coast of Scotland. We have a modern office building and a dedicated laboratory with three Illumina DNA sequencing machines. We have developed industry-leading genetic and bioinformatic pipelines including advanced mate selection software and new technologies for genomic selection. We work closely with several leading academic institutions, including the world-leading Roslin Institute.
A culture of excellence
As you would expect from a company that was initially a spinoff from the prestigious University of St Andrews, we set a very high bar for the scientific rigour of our work. We are continually working to advance the boundaries of our sector, and frequently participate in multi-national research programmes in aquaculture genetics and breeding. We retain active links with many leading scientific and academic institutions. We are committed to supporting your development including attendance to key networking events such as trade shows, online webinars and conferences
As a recent example, Xelect was the lead industry partner on AQUA-FAANG, a 4 year EU funded programme to generate genome wide functional maps for the six most commercially valuable species in European Aquaculture. Xelect provided genetic consultancy, developing genetic tools for the project and also contributing research outputs, including a major white paper.
Our largest shareholder, Genus PLC, is a world leader in the field of pig and bovine genetics, and we enjoy extensive scientific and technical collaboration with them on R&D projects.
Your skillsets
Our programme managers are highly experienced, adaptable individuals, who can develop and manage advanced breeding programmes, work well under pressure and have fantastic communications skills. Your skills and qualifications will include:
- A minimum of a MSc relating to aquaculture, quantitative genetics, finfish/shellfish reproduction or animal breeding
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Knowledge and experience of hatchery and broodstock management, including aquaculture operations more widely for finfish and / or shellfish species
- A practical understanding of the application of genetics within selective breeding
- Excellent data management and computer literacy skills
- High levels of motivation and a collaborative mindset, with a desire to constantly improve our service
- Willingness to travel to other countries and experience new cultures
- Knowledge of statistics and programming platforms.
Additional desirable skills include:
- Proficiency with programming platforms such R or Linux
- A PhD relating to aquaculture, fish reproduction or animal breeding
- Advanced statistical skills including multivariate analysis
- Proficiency in other languages
- Peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields.
Working at Xelect
The culture at Xelect is vibrant, welcoming, challenging and rewarding. When you join Xelect you're joining the forefront of genetics in aquaculture. We're a fast growing, entrepreneurial and pioneering team of scientists and commercial professionals. Our base, Horizon House, is home to a smart, proactive and international team of experts from a range of backgrounds, where every single person has the opportunity to make a difference.
We offer a 'hybrid' working pattern, combining office days and working from home. Our environment is extremely inclusive. The role has a competitive salary, a workplace pension scheme and will be based in St Andrews, Scotland.
Our values
Excellence: We believe in what we’re doing, and we’re committed to doing it well. We aim to set the standards for our industry, rather than meet them.
Curiosity: We share what we’re doing, welcome input from others and are always thinking about creative, cost effective and commercially relevant solutions for our customers.
Teamwork: Xelect is one team – we tackle challenges together, celebrate success together and look out for one another as people.
Integrity: Our customers trust us to always put their best interests at heart. We take that responsibility seriously and commit to always conducting ourselves ethically.
Want to find out more?
To apply please send a current CV and a covering letter to hello@xelect.co.uk, along with contact details of two referees. References will only be contacted after a successful interview. If you would like to make any enquiries about the role please email hello@xelect.co.uk. We are happy to arrange a confidential conversation with one of our existing Programme Managers if you would like to discuss the role informally.