Equine Research Scientist

Land O'Lakes•River Falls, WI

10d•$93,360 - $140,040•Onsite

About The Position

The Equine Research Scientist leads and advances strategic equine research projects that support innovation, growth, and customer engagement for the equine business. Based at 4-Square Ranch in River Falls, Wisconsin, this role designs and executes high-quality research, translates scientific findings into actionable insights, and partners cross-functionally to deliver value to internal stakeholders and VIP customers. The position also includes active engagement as a Brand Advocate with customers and industry partners, ensuring research excellence, scientific credibility, and alignment with enterprise priorities. You must live in the River Falls, WI area or be willing to relocate.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition, Animal Science, or related field (PhD/DVM combination degree acceptable)
1-3 experience in animal nutrition research
Success translating research work into practical application
Active participation in industry associations, including successful publication history in a peer-reviewed environment.
A passion for delivering outstanding service and creating unforgettable experiences.
Proven experience in a high-end customer service or hospitality role, with a strong emphasis on personalized guest interaction.
An ability to connect with people and make them feel valued and heard.
Ability to remain calm and composed while maintaining a welcoming attitude in a dynamic environment.
Lead and embrace change, demonstrating agility to meet business needs
Proven industry experience within the equine business
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across multiple teams
Strong ability to execute on deliverables and provide technical communications
Ability to anticipate challenges and prepare accordingly with strong problem-solving capabilities
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills across diverse operational areas
Computer skills MS office
Ability to travel up to approx. 10-15% of the time

Nice To Haves

Experience with formulation software and supportive platforms: Checkmate, Power BI, Ration Balancing Software, Database Platforms

Responsibilities

Lead and conduct equine research projects as aligned with consumer-led Innovation Roadmap
Lead exercise physiology, digestive physiology and breeding/growth related equine research to drive innovation engine and new product development.
Write protocols, conduct trials, manage and analyze data, write final reports, and communicate results to cross‑functional stakeholders, including Retail Research Director, Equine Research Manager, Research Scientists, Technical Sales Team, Marketing Team, Sales, Customers, Consumers and others.
Collaborate with formulation and research scientists to complete exceptional cross-collaborative research across Animal Nutrition and Winfield United
Participate in Microbiome Platform work – developing rations for horses, reviewing and writing MQ reports and consulting with customers.
Develop relationships and execute research with external partners including Universities, Vendors, and Customers as needed
Remain up-to-date on emerging technologies to support go-to-market strategy
Active participation and leadership in industry associations.
Publish abstracts and full papers related to scientific research on a 1-2 year cycle
Support VIP initiatives, give scientific talks, help host on-site engagements
Partner cross-functionally to strengthen customer and consumer retail experience, leading to brand loyalty and product sales through the 4-Square experience. VIP customers include veterinarians, equine influencers, retail channel partners (dealers, farm and ranch, online) and horse owners.
Act as a proud ambassador for the Purina brand and 4 Square Ranch, consistently upholding our reputation for excellence and delivering a superior customer journey.
Maintain a consistently courteous, professional, and composed presence, even in fast-paced or challenging situations.
Conduct work in alignment with enterprise and R&D team practices and goals
Foster a culture that prioritizes Land O’ Lakes values and expectations across all R&D and partner functions/departments
Engage in professional development, training and team building as needed to be successful in role