Position Summary
The Research Coordinator coordinates and supports the day-to-day execution of livestock research trials at the research farm. This role partners closely with research scientists, research associates, and farm operations personnel to ensure trials are conducted accurately, safely, ethically, and in accordance with approved protocols.
The Research Coordinator is responsible for maintaining complete and reliable trial data, supporting diet preparation and feeding systems, monitoring animal health and welfare, and performing general grow/finish swine production activities. This role requires a strong mechanical aptitude to operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and support the maintenance of feeding systems, farm equipment, and research-related tools. Success requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, effective communication, and a commitment to biosecurity, animal welfare, food safety, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate daily activities for active and upcoming research trials in accordance with established protocols, schedules, and data-quality standards.
- Collaborate with research scientists and associates to identify operational needs, resolve trial issues, and improve research processes.
- Collect, verify, enter, and maintain daily trial data, including animal weights, feed weights, feed consumption, health observations, and other required records.
- Enter data into spreadsheets and approved company systems accurately and on time; perform basic data checks and report discrepancies promptly.
- Prepare research diets as needed and operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance of the Fancom feed system.
- Inspect feeding systems, equipment, and research tools; identify mechanical or operational problems and coordinate repairs or escalate concerns as appropriate.
- Assist with weighing trial pigs, vacuuming and weighing feed, recording feed consumption, and completing other trial-related measurements.
- Support daily grow/finish swine farm operations, including animal observation, vaccination, approved treatments, ventilation adjustments, barn checks, and documentation.
- Observe animals routinely and promptly report health, welfare, equipment, environmental, or biosecurity concerns.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas; assist with equipment cleaning, routine maintenance, inventory, and supply needs.
- Follow approved research protocols, animal-care practices, medication procedures, biosecurity requirements, and company safety policies.
- Maintain confidentiality of research data, trial results, and proprietary company information.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Additional Responsibilities
- Participate in training, continuous-improvement initiatives, and cross-functional projects that support research and farm operations.
Work Environment
- Work is performed in a research farm environment with regular exposure to livestock, dust, odors, noise, mechanical equipment, and varying indoor and outdoor temperatures.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, or a related field; equivalent relevant professional experience may be considered.
- Agricultural, livestock, or swine-production background.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to safely operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and perform basic maintenance on farm equipment and feeding systems.
- Working knowledge of research trial practices and the importance of protocol compliance and accurate data collection.
- Basic understanding of animal nutrition principles.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and the ability to enter and manage data accurately.
- Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, accuracy, dependability, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Ability and willingness to follow strict biosecurity procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
- One to two years of livestock-production experience, preferably in swine operations.
- One or more years of experience supporting agricultural, animal-science, or livestock research.
- Experience operating, troubleshooting, or maintaining feed-delivery systems, ventilation equipment, farm equipment, or other mechanical systems.
- Experience with farm-management software, electronic data capture, or research data management.
- Familiarity with animal-welfare standards, sample collection, and basic statistical or spreadsheet analysis.
Technical Skills
- Strong mechanical aptitude, including the ability to recognize equipment issues, use basic hand tools safely, and complete routine equipment upkeep.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Excel for data entry, recordkeeping, and basic analysis.
- Ability to operate feed systems, ventilation controls, and standard farm or research equipment safely.
- Ability to use company email, electronic records systems, and approved data-management tools.
Non-Technical Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Excellent time-management and multitasking skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Sound judgment and a proactive approach to identifying and reporting concerns.
- Ability to adapt to changing trial schedules and operational priorities.
- Commitment to animal welfare, safety, biosecurity, and continuous improvement.
Licenses/Certifications
- Valid driver’s license may be required based on business needs.
Physical & Safety Requirements
- Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.
- Ability to work safely around livestock, moving equipment, feed systems, and machinery.
- Ability to work in a farm environment with exposure to livestock, dust, odors, noise, and variable indoor and outdoor temperatures.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and comply with all safety and biosecurity requirements.
- May require flexibility in work hours to meet animal-care, trial, and operational needs.
Disclaimer
Adherence to all food safety procedures as per FDA regulations, including the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) or any other applicable federal, state, or local food safety regulations.