Internship Applications Due March 31, 2023

Since 2016, CDCB has offered summer internships to junior, senior, or graduate students with a major in animal or dairy science, supporting the development of future genetic leaders.

OVERVIEW

The work opportunity provided for dairy or animal science students will include learning and using research techniques to analyze dairy cattle genetics and management data. The work to be performed on location in Prince Georges County of Maryland is to benefit the mission of both the Council of Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and USDA’s Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory (AGIL). The two organizations have a long history of performing quality research and publishing the findings as evident by several members of their staff having been recipients of the J. L. Lush Award in Animal Breeding from the American Dairy Science Association and/or the National Association of Animal Breeders’ Research Award.

Primary missions of the CDCB are to maintain the national dairy database plus calculate and verify accuracy of the genetic evaluations for the U.S. dairy industry. The primary mission of AGIL is to perform genetic and management research and develop the genetic evaluation methodology to be used by the CDCB. Much of the group’s research is in support of genomic prediction, so exposure to this topic is expected. The student can expect to interact with other research areas as well.

The student will work a 40-hour week from Monday to Friday, primarily in an office environment. Weekly communication meetings are held at CDCB and AGIL and joint meetings periodically between the two organizations to exchange information on research activities and coordinate operations. CDCB’s geneticists and animal scientists are Heather Adams Enzenauer, Javier Burchard, João Dürr, Gerald Jansen, Rodrigo Mota, Ezequiel Nicolazzi, Duane Norman, Kristen Parker-Gaddis, Nick Wu, and George Wiggans. Geneticists or Animal Scientists at AGIL are Asha Miles, Jana Hutchison, Daniel Null, Curt Van Tassell, Sajjad Toghiani, Randy Baldwin and Paul VanRaden, plus visiting scientists.

RESEARCH PROJECT

The internship will be tailored to satisfy the priorities of the two organizations and the interest of the student. The student will become involved in one or more projects in an area which is a priority focus of the CDCB’s and AGIL’s research effort. The student will work with one or more staff members to plan, conduct, and summarize their projects. At the end of the summer, the student will prepare an oral or written report summarizing their internship achievements.

ENROLLMENT, CREDITS, & COMPENSATION

This program is available to dairy or animal science students in their junior, senior, or graduate study program. Students have the option to register (or not) for college credit at their home institution and they are responsible for institutional credits arrangements. Their 2020 program can begin in May or June and run through the summer. The student’s wage during the internship is $775 per week (at minimum, depending on qualifications). The students will arrange for his/her own housing although the CDCB staff can assist in providing contacts.

TO APPLY

Applicants should have the following sent to João Dürr, Chief Executive Officer, at joao.durr@uscdcb.com

• Biographical information (1-2 pages)
• A copy of their college transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable)

• Two letters of support including one from a college advisor or department instructor
• Letter outlining career goals and reasons for applying; include research experience or computer software skills

Applications should be received by March 31st, 2023, at the latest.

The CDCB offers equal employment opportunities without discrimination.