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Dr James Kijas

Group Leader

https://people.csiro.au/k/j/james-kijas

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Contact details:

BIOSCIENCE PREC 306 CARMODY RD
ST. LUCIA QLD 4067 AUSTRALIA

Biography

James is a molecular geneticist who has developed an international reputation in the field of animal genomics. Following completion of his PhD in plant genetics from Flinders University (1996), James embarked on a research career focused on the genetics and genomics of domesticated animals. As a postdoctoral scientist guided by Prof. Leif Andersson (SLU, Sweden), he identified a collection of gene mutations responsible for pigmentation traits in pigs and a disease condition in dogs. He moved to Cornell University in 2000 under the guidance of Prof. Gus Aquirre and successfully identified the genetic basis of a number of inherited eye diseases in dogs, and was awarded his first research grants as a principal investigator.

James joined CSIRO in 2003 to commence sheep research, building and delivering a range of genomic tools for the research community. He was appointed Secretary of the International Sheep Genomics Consortium in 2004 and was instrumental in the development, delivery and application of a range of genomic tools. He completed a strategic multi-institutional research project that successfully sequenced nearly 1000 sheep genomes to uncover the consequences of domestication and selection. As a measure of his achievements, he was awarded the CSIRO Chairman’s Medal in 2010.

In 2016 he joined CSIRO’s Aquaculture program as Research Group Leader to lead genomics activities across multiple aquatic species. His primary work focusses on Atlantic salmon sex determination, the functional biology of sexual maturation, genetic diversity and enhancing applied breeding. The common theme to his research has been the quest to link genomic variation with phenotypic changes in animal populations.

Professional Areas

Fields of Research

Current

Current Roles

  • Research Group Leader, Aquaculture Program, CSIRO Agriculture and Food
    Capability and science leadership

Academic Qualifications

  • 1996

    PhD
    Flinders University of South Australia

  • 1992

    B.Sc.(honours)
    Flinders University of South Australia

  • 1991

    B.Sc.
    Flinders University of South Australia

Professional Experiences

  • 2013-Present

    Senior Principal Research Scientist
    CSIRO

  • 2007-2013

    Principal Research Scientist
    CSIRO

  • 2003-2006

    Senior Research Scientist
    CSIRO

  • 2000-2002

    Research Associate
    Cornell University, USA

  • 1999

    University Lecturer
    Swedish University of Agricultural Science

  • 1996-1998

    Postdoctoral Research Scientist
    Swedish University of Agricultural Science

Achievements and Awards

  • 2016-2019

    President of the International Society of Animal Genetics
    ISAG

  • 2012-2016

    Secretary of the International Sheep Genomics Consortium
    ISGC

  • 2010-

    Chairmans Medal
    CSIRO

  • 2007-Present

    Associate Editor; Animal Genetics
    Animal Genetics

  • 2008-2008

    Editorial Board; Journal of Animal Science
    Journal of Animal Science

  • 2014-Present

    Chair of the Ruminant Genetics and Genomics Steering Committee
    ISAG

  • 2007-2007

    Divisional Award in Partnership Excellence
    CSIRO

Publications

We have publications by Dr James Kijas