Dairy Scientist - AI & Machine Learning

LIC is a farmer-owned co-operative that’s been supporting herd improvement in New Zealand’s dairy sector for more than 115 years. We’re focused on providing superior genetics, reliable testing and diagnostics, integrated on-farm software, and great customer service, all designed to help farmers make smarter decisions every day.

As a proud generational co-operative, we’re here for farmers, their families, and rural communities, not just for today, but for the future. And none of it happens without our people. Whether on farm, in the lab, or behind the scenes, every one of us plays a part in helping New Zealand farmers succeed.

About the Role:

Help shape the future of New Zealand dairy through AI and machine learning

As a Scientist in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, you'll help shape the future of dairy farming by applying advanced AI, machine learning and data science techniques to some of the industry's most complex challenges.

Working within a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment, you'll lead and contribute to projects that transform LIC's unique animal, genomic, production and farm data into practical insights and solutions for farmers. You'll develop and apply machine learning models, generative AI tools and advanced analytical approaches to improve herd performance, accelerate scientific discovery, identify new phenotypes and support the development of innovative products and services.

You'll work closely with experts in genetics, animal health, bioinformatics, statistics and software engineering, while also building relationships with external research organisations, technology partners and the wider AI research community. This is an opportunity to apply cutting-edge AI techniques to real-world problems and deliver measurable value to New Zealand dairy farmers, while working with one of the world's largest and most comprehensive dairy datasets.

Your Key Focus:

· Developing and applying machine learning, artificial intelligence and advanced analytical approaches to solve complex biological and agricultural challenges.

· Identifying opportunities to use AI and machine learning to create new insights, phenotypes, products and services.

· Transforming large-scale genomic, animal and farm datasets into actionable outcomes for farmers and LIC.

· Evaluating and adopting emerging AI, machine learning and data science technologies relevant to dairy farming and herd improvement.

About You:

You are passionate about machine learning and artificial intelligence and applying it to real world problems that deliver a real impact. You’ll have the skills, experience or qualifications required to deliver this and to stand as an expert in your field. You'll enjoy working collaboratively, be naturally curious, and have a passion for turning data and science into practical outcomes that improve breeding decisions, animal health, farm productivity and the sustainability of New Zealand dairy farming.

We are interested in candidates with the following attributes:

· A PhD or Masters in a relevant field (Machine Learning, Computer Science, Stats etc) or equivalent industry experience in the field.

· Curious and innovative with a constant desire to learn and develop new skills

· The ability to work with a diverse team of multi-disciplinary researchers

· Excellent communication skills and the ability to plan and independently run research projects

· Experience developing machine learning models using modern AI frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow or equivalent.

· Experience with large-scale data processing, cloud or HPC environments, and modern generative AI techniques is highly desirable.

Familiarity with farming and the New Zealand Dairy industry would be a significant asset, along with a willingness to undertake both research and commercial focused work.

In Return:

Based 10 minutes from Hamilton, in a semi-rural location, the role provides the opportunity for a lifestyle change for those seeking a better work-life balance and wanting to escape the 'rat race' and cost of living in bigger cities. Alternatively, we are open to flexible and remote working arrangements.

In addition to a competitive salary, you'll receive some great benefits including:

• Extra leave days

• Flexible working options

• Discounted health, life, income and disability insurances

• Access to our employee shares scheme

• Well-being discounts

• Free onsite parking and Free EV Chargers for LIC staff to use

• Our Hamilton office is located in a park-like setting, with tennis court, pool, and onsite café and social club!

This is an opportunity to work on meaningful, industry-leading research alongside experts in their field, with access to unique datasets, technologies and scientific challenges. Most importantly, you'll see your work translated into solutions that help shape the future of New Zealand dairy farming.