Research Specialist (Caton)

Position Information

This position provides critical research support for the nutrition research program within the Department of Animal Sciences at NDSU. The successful applicant will contribute to all aspects of the supervisor's, nutrition groups, and the broader Animal Science's research programs as time and expertise allow. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Contribute to experimental design, project planning, research activities, and scheduling and coordination of research projects.
• Participate in grantsmanship activities including strategic planning sessions, group discussions, grant document preparation, and serving in Co-PI and Collaborator roles.
• Contribute to, manage, coordinate, and lead sample collection activities, including maintaining up-to-date collection, cataloging, and archiving protocols for samples and data associated with research projects.
• Contribute to writing and preparation of abstracts, research reports, and refereed manuscripts.
• Contribute and coordinate paperwork associated with regulatory compliance, including required training activities, grant reporting, IACUC protocols, Animal Facility use protocols, occupational health and safety risk assessment files, an up-to-date chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and other documents as necessary.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with other team members and collaborators, including departmental, state, regional, national, and international collaborators.
• Organize and manage animal science and omics datasets; conduct statistical analyses using R, SAS, and other relevant software; summarize results in tables and figures; and collaborate with the supervisor and research team to interpret findings and prepare data for publication.
• Organize and coordinate sample storage, processing, packaging, and shipping to collaborators and contract analytical labs.
• Engage in training and professional development opportunities to expand expertise in critical areas of research need.

The successful candidate will also coordinate, and lead laboratory activities associated with the supervisor's and collaborators' research program. Responsibilities in this area include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee and manage the laboratory associated with the supervisor's and collaborators' research programs.

• Order, organize, and maintain equipment, supplies, and materials needed to support the supervisor's research program.

• Conduct a diverse array of laboratory analyses that are integral to the supervisor's research program; including but not limited to ELISA, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, sample preparation for assays, including multi-omic approaches, Immulite based assays including Folate, vitamin B12, and other metabolites and hormones, Seahorse based assays and other laboratory analyses.

• Develop and validate new analytical techniques and approaches as needed to support the supervisor's research program.

• Train undergraduate research students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, visiting scientists, and other staff as needed on current laboratory and sample collection techniques.

• Ensure quality control and repeatability of analytical data from the laboratory.

• Maintain documented up-to-date analytical procedures.

• Organize laboratory workflow and coordinate all activities within the laboratory.

• Maintain instrumentation for optimal performance and advise the supervisor regarding equipment needs to meet research and analytical objectives. Coordinate and maintain collection and analytical supplies needed for activities.

• Organize and coordinate expenses, costs, and billing associated with analytical activities.

• Supervise and mentor students working within the laboratory and additional employees when and if hired.

Minimum Qualifications:

• M.S. in Animal Science or related field

• Documented relevant laboratory and project management experience

• 2+ years of experience with current and relevant laboratory analyses

• 2+ years of experience with sample collection in large animal research

• 2+ years of experience with project and laboratory management and personnel training

• Experience with scientific writing in the field of animal science

• Experience with working with and statistically analyzing animal science data sets

• Desire and ability to work on an advanced (PhD) degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in animal science or related field

• Documented grantsmanship experience

• Documented record of publishing in the scientific literature

• 5+ years of relevant project and/or laboratory management and personnel training/mentoring experience

• 5+ years of data analysis experience

Hiring Range: $47,000 - $60,000

Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities,

education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

Applicant Materials Required:

Resume; Cover letter; Unofficial Transcript

Special Instruction to Applicants: The cover letter should include the names, emails, addresses and phone numbers of three references and address the responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the position description.

Screening Date: Initial screening date September 1, 2026. Open until filled.

Our commitment to caring for our employees isn't just words-it's proven. In NDSU's most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. "My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person" and "I have the opportunities to learn and grow", were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you'll experience here.

NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!

Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

Health & Wellness

• 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
• Choice of PPO/Basic or High-Deductible Health Plan with HSA
• Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
• Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation

Exceptional Retirement Plan

• Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position

(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.

Time Away & Support

• Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
• Supportive work-life balance

Education Benefits That Grow with You

• Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
• 50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents

Additional Optional Benefits

• Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
• Supplemental Retirement Plans

Explore Full Benefit Details:

Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

Veteran's Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information:

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.