Research Associate (Louisville, IL)

The Maschhoffs • Louisville, IL

4d

About The Position

The Research Associate executes and oversees research activities in a multidisciplinary applied swine science program. The role conducts research trials and gathers data in hog production environments, including commercial research centers, sow farms, and processing plants. The Research Associate travels to these locations and follows study protocols and scientific standards to maintain the integrity and accuracy of research data. The role provides value through high-quality research and professional conduct that upholds The Maschhoffs’ Purpose and Core Values.

The Research Associate partners with farm and plant personnel, balances changing priorities across research, farm, and processing operations, and provides updates on research and operational learnings to Research and Development leadership. The role supports study design and protocol development, collects live-animal and carcass data, validates data and equipment, and may serve as principal investigator on research projects. It also supports commercial genetic testing and provides animal care and maintenance support as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; a degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Business, or a related field is specified.
• At least 4 years of experience; education may be accepted in lieu of experience.
• Knowledge of animal biology, particularly swine production management practices.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, scientific research methods and standards, basic statistics, and data collection methodology.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Budget and time management skills.
• Swine or animal husbandry skills.
• Critical thinking and informed decision-making skills.
• Ability to work professionally and courteously with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to be creative and champion change while adhering to research standards.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and accept coaching from peers and managers.
• Ability to execute research protocols in accordance with The Maschhoffs Research and Development quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Partner with farm and plant personnel to complete research trials on time and within defined constraints.
• Balance the needs and changing priorities of the research program, farms, and processing plants.
• Conduct research in hog production environments and at various life-cycle stages; report operational and research learnings and performance to Research and Development leadership.
• Collaborate with Research and Development leadership to design study protocols and execute research tasks in accordance with established processes and protocols.
• Collect live-animal data at hog barns and carcass data at processing plants using multiple data-gathering methods.
• Execute standard operating procedures to support pig performance and maximum biological growth potential.
• Serve as principal investigator on research projects by acting as the main point of contact, writing study protocols, making study decisions, and assisting with final results and impact write-ups.
• Lead commercial genetic testing execution with the Company’s genetic partners.
• Capture and validate project data and results at processing plants.
• Maintain data integrity by validating equipment and following study protocols.
• Conduct work in a manner that safeguards colleagues and animals at all work locations.
• Provide on-farm support for animal care and maintenance as needed.

Benefits

• Choice of a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) health plan.
• Two dental coverage options, including 100% coverage for preventative care.
• Group-rate vision benefits.
• Complimentary basic life insurance, with voluntary employee, spouse, and child life insurance options.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage at no cost to the employee.
• Traditional pre-tax 401(k) and Roth 401(k) plans; the Company matches the first 4% of employee contributions, immediately vested.
• Paid time off, including an annual life event day and volunteer day for full-time employees.
• Participation in a Company Short Term Incentive Plan, with payments dependent on company factors and metrics.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level