Role Purpose:

This role will support the Production R&D program through management and implementation of research projects done within the production system. This includes managing the research process which includes protocol development, on-farm implementation, data collection and organization, summary statistics and interacting regularly with all stakeholders across a wide range of research projects. This position will interact closely with the company's Production R&D Committee.

Duties:

Assist in all phases of the research process ranging from, but not limited to:

Writing protocols

Assigning and allocating animals to treatments

Securing all necessary supplies

Working alongside teams at the farm level to collect data

Collecting and organizing samples

Communicating effectively with all stakeholders in both leadership and farm positions

Routine time at research sites to coach team members and verify accuracy of data collection

Create summary statistics and provide updates on progress as required by the project

Must have a willingness to be on farm and to work with animals to collect data and perform other farm duties as may be required

Willingness to conduct lab work which may be required such as spinning/ shipping samples.

Weekend duties may be required for certain projects

Travel will be required to and from research sites and may require overnight stays with most research sites located within 2 hours of Columbus, NE

Must adhere to all biosecurity requirements as outlined per company policy

Requirements and Preferred Skillsets:

Required:

A B.S. degree in animal science or related field with research experience or 5 years of experience in a research setting

Experience using MS Office, particularly Excel

Technical writing skills and the ability to perform basic data summaries

Willingness to travel to research sites with occasional overnight stays

Preferred:

A M.S. degree with training in animal science or related field

Training in basic experimental design and statistics, R and SQL

Physical Demands:

Some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations the activity will require standing or walking for the entire workday. Must have the capability to operate data collection equipment and the physical ability to move and sort animals, move into and out of pens over gates, etc.

Work Environment:

The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g. working outdoors and within swine production facilities. The use of protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, and gloves are required.