2 year graduate programme – commencing mid January 2027

• Build a career in world-class animal genetics

• Work on real challenges shaping NZ dairy and beef farming

• Structured two-year programme designed around your development and long-term career

At LIC, we're passionate about delivering superior genetics and technology that help New Zealand farmers breed more productive, profitable and sustainable animals.

We're looking for a curious, ambitious and analytical graduate to join our Genetics Graduate Programme, a unique two-year development opportunity designed to build the next generation of genetics professionals. The programme is intentionally designed to develop future capability across genetics, commercial, product and customer-facing pathways.

About the Role:   

As a Genetics Graduate (Commercial), you'll gain hands-on experience across a range of areas within our genetics business, developing the skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to build a successful career in one of agriculture's most exciting and innovative fields.

Through structured rotations, mentoring, development activities and real business projects, you'll learn how genetics, data and technology are translated into practical solutions that create value for farmers.

Your Key Focus:

Over the programme you'll have exposure to:

• Dairy and beef genetics

• Animal breeding and genetic evaluation

• Data analytics and insights

• Customer and farm engagement

• Product and programme development

• Commercial application of genetics

• Business improvement and innovation projects

Your Skills & Experience:

We're not expecting you to arrive knowing everything about genetics.

We’re looking for potential.

You’ll ideally have a degree in:

• Genetics | Biological Sciences | Biochemistry | Agribusiness | Animal Science | Agricultural Science | or a related discipline

But your degree is only part of the picture.

We want people who are:

• Curious – you want to understand how things work and keep learning

• Analytical – you enjoy working with information, data and complex problems

• Commercially minded – you want to understand how science creates value

• Collaborative – you enjoy working with people from different disciplines

• Agile – you can adapt, learn and respond to changing priorities

• Outcome focused – you want to get things done and see your work make a difference

• A strong communicator – you can turn complex ideas into something others can understand

• Positive and constructive – you bring energy, ideas and a willingness to contribute

• Farmer and customer focused – you want to understand the people who ultimately benefit from your work

What You'll Gain:  

This programme has been designed to accelerate your development and prepare you for future career opportunities within LIC.

You'll benefit from:

• Supported structured rotations across multiple teams

• Genetics professional who will provide support and guidance throughout the programme

• Exposure to technical, commercial and customer-facing work

• Coaching from experienced genetics professionals

• Meaningful project work and real business challenges

• Opportunities to build industry networks

• A development pathway into future genetics, advisory, product, customer facing and commercial roles

By the end of the programme you'll have developed the capability to analyse genetic information, support customer outcomes, contribute to innovation projects and operate confidently within a genetics-related role.

Why LIC?

LIC is a farmer-owned co-operative and a global leader in dairy genetics and herd improvement. Our people combine science, technology and customer focus to deliver value for farmers and help shape the future of livestock improvement.

At LIC, science doesn't stay in the lab.

Our work in genetics, technology and innovation contributes directly to the productivity, sustainability and future of New Zealand farming.

You’ll be part of a team that combines world-class science with practical agricultural knowledge, working alongside people who are passionate about making a difference.

You’ll also have access to a range of employee benefits, development opportunities and flexible working arrangements.

Apply Now

If you’re excited by genetics, science, data, technology and the opportunity to make a real impact on New Zealand agriculture and commercial outcomes for New Zealand farmers, we want to hear from you.

Apply now and start your genetics career with LIC.