OVERVIEW

The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) is pleased to offer summer internship opportunities for students in dairy or animal sciences. Ideal candidates are pursuing a graduate-level degree and must be authorized to work in the United States.

This internship provides hands-on experience with research techniques used to analyze dairy cattle genetics and management data. Work will take place at CDCB headquarters in Bowie, Maryland, supporting the missions of both CDCB and USDA’s Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory (AGIL). The two organizations have a long history of impactful research, as demonstrated by several staff members receiving major industry honors, including the J. L. Lush Award in Animal Breeding and the NAAB Research Award.

CDCB manages the National Cooperator Database – the largest animal database in the world – and calculates U.S. dairy genetic evaluations. AGIL’s mission is to conduct research on dairy cattle genetics and management and to develop genetic evaluation methodologies utilized by CDCB. Much of the collaborative research centers on genomic prediction, and interns can expect exposure to this topic as well as to a variety of related research areas.

Interns will work a 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday, primarily in an office environment with occasional remote work. Weekly meetings are held at CDCB and AGIL, with periodic joint meetings to coordinate activities and share research progress.

Students will work alongside the CDCB research team of Javier Burchard, John Cole, Joao Durr, Andres Legarra, Ashley Ling, Taylor McWhorter, Rodrigo Mota, Ezequiel Nicolazzi, Daniel Null, Kristen Parker-Gaddis, George Wiggans, and Nick Wu. AGIL researchers include Randy Baldwin, Jana Hutchison, Curt Van Tassell, and visiting scientists.

RESEARCH PROJECT

The internship experience will be tailored to match both organizational priorities and the student’s academic and research interests. Interns will contribute to one or more research projects in priority areas for CDCB and AGIL.

The intern will work with assigned research staff to design, conduct, analyze, and summarize project findings. At the conclusion of the internship, the student will prepare an oral and/or written report documenting their work and accomplishments. They will also have the opportunity to present their work to CDCB Producer Advisory Committee.

ENROLLMENT, CREDITS & COMPENSATION

This internship is open to students studying dairy or animal science, statistics, genetics and AI and related fields in their junior, senior, or graduate studies who are currently authorized to work in the United States.

Students may choose to enroll for academic credit through their home institution; all arrangements for credit must be handled independently with the school.

The 2026 internship will begin in May or June and will run through the summer, depending on the academic schedule of the student.

• Compensation: $940 per week (higher rates may be considered based on qualifications).
• Housing: Students are responsible for securing housing; CDCB staff can provide contacts to assist with locating accommodations.

To apply please submit the following materials to Javier Burchard, Chief Innovation Officer:

• Resume/CV
• College transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
• Two letters of support, including one from a college advisor or instructor
• A cover letter describing career goals, reasons for applying, and any relevant research or software experience