Leading provider of applied genetics services to the aquaculture industry, Benchmark Genetics, continues to strengthen its core genetics team by hiring Grazyella Yoshida as Senior Geneticist and Hans Ekvall as Junior Geneticist. Both positions are located at the head office in Bergen.
Grazyella Yoshida received her MSc in Animal Science from the Brazilian University of Maringa in 2014 and her PhD in Genetics and Animal Breeding from the State University of Sao Paulo in 2018. She has also worked as an associate with the renowned research group of José Manuel Yáñez at the University of Chile, supporting the development and adoption of quantitative and genomic tools in R&D projects with numerous aquaculture species.
In addition, Yoshida has extensive experience gained through his work supporting applied breeding programs for salmonids and tilapia in Chile and Brazil.
The new member of Benchmark Genetics “has a significant background of competence and capability that will add value to the team in many areas relevant to the company’s ambitious genetic work,” the company said. “This includes, among other areas, large-scale genetic and genomic evaluations, optimizing the use of genomic information, and technical oversight of applied breeding programs,” they added.
“Following the announcement, Yoshida expressed being very excited and honored to be part of the Benchmark Genetics team.“
“I am highly motivated to put my experience and skills to use in the team’s genetic work and help develop a more profitable and sustainable aquaculture industry,” she said.
Extensive practical experience in Atlantic salmon
Meanwhile, Hans Ekvall recently completed his European Master’s program in Animal Genetics and Breeding (EMABG) with combined studies at Georg August University in Germany and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU).
His master’s degree focused on breeding program designs and comparative ISA methylome studies in Atlantic salmon. Previously, Hans had completed a BSc degree in epigenetics in tilapia from Nord University in Bodø, followed by studies in biomedicine at the University of Bergen. He also holds a degree in International Development from Middlesex University, London.
Hans brings with him to Benchmark extensive international work experience in Europe, Asia, and Australia, including abalone and pearl oyster species.
“Moreover, for almost three years, Hans worked as a technician in egg production at Erfjord Stamfisk and therefore has extensive practical experience in Atlantic salmon farming. “From our headquarters in Bergen, in his new position Hans will support external customers with applied consulting services,” explained the company.“
With a strong commitment to sustainable food production, Hans sees his new role at Benchmark as an exciting opportunity. “I believe Benchmark is the ideal employer. As a Junior Geneticist, I will be able to apply my knowledge and skills in collaboration with the experienced Benchmark team, supporting external clients in improving their animal production and welfare,” he assured.
More recruitments
This news comes after Benchmark Genetics reported in December that Professor Ross Houston had joined the company as Chief Innovation Officer. Houston’s arrival is effective March 1.
Ross Houston is currently working on aquaculture genetics at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute, where he leads a large aquaculture team. He is also the Deputy Director of Translation and Commercialization.
“Ross is well known in the aquaculture genetics and animal breeding community.“
He began his career with a PhD in swine genetics at the University of Aberdeen in 2004, before moving into salmon genetics in a postdoctoral position at Roslin.
Since then, he has built an international reputation in the field, including the discovery of an important QTL associated with resistance to Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis in 2008, which remains an example of the use of genetics to help control disease and improve health.
Leading aquaculture biotechnology company
Benchmark Genetics is composed of Benchmark Genetics Norway (a product of the merger of Salmobreed and Akvaforsk Genetics Center), Benchmark Genetics Chile, Benchmark Genetics Iceland, Benchmark Genetics Colombia, and Benchmark Genetics USA.
The company is a business area of Benchmark Group plc, a leading aquaculture biotechnology company that uniquely combines expertise along with world-leading operations in genetics, advanced nutrition and animal health for sustainable and profitable aquaculture productions.
Benchmark Genetics is a major global supplier of genetically improved Atlantic salmon, L. Vannamei shrimp and Nile tilapia material, as well as a leader in technical genetic services to the global aquaculture industry, continuing and expanding Akvaforsk Genetics’ extensive work in this area.
