Research Associate (Louisville, IL)

The Maschhoffs • Louisville Township, IL

6d • $53,000 - $68,000

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 follows study protocols and scientific standards to maintain the integrity and accuracy of collected research data and represents The Maschhoffs professionally in keeping with the Company’s Purpose and Core Values.

The position works with farm and plant personnel and Research and Development leadership to plan and carry out studies, adapt to changing priorities, collect and validate animal and carcass data, and report operational and research findings. It may serve as principal investigator on research projects and lead commercial genetic testing with the Company’s genetic partners. The role also provides on-farm animal care and maintenance support as needed and conducts work in a manner that safeguards colleagues and animals.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience, with a major in Animal Science, Agricultural Business, or a related field. Four years of experience are required, with education accepted in lieu of experience. The targeted pay range is $53,000–$68,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. The Maschhoffs offers full-time regular employees health, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, a company-matched 401(k), paid time off, and participation in a Short Term Incentive Plan.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; education may be accepted in lieu of the stated experience requirement.
• Major in Animal Science, Agricultural Business, or a related field.
• Four years of experience; education accepted in lieu of experience.
• Knowledge of animal biology, with an emphasis on 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 in a team environment.
• Ability to be creative and champion change while adhering to research standards.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to 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 shifting priorities of the research program, farms, and processing plants.
• Conduct research in hog production environments and across life-cycle stages, and provide updates on operational and research learnings and performance to Research and Development leadership.
• Collaborate with Research and Development leadership to design study protocols and follow established processes and protocols when conducting research.
• Collect live-animal data at hog barns and carcass data at processing plants using multiple data-gathering methods.
• Execute standard operating procedures to support biological pig performance and maximum growth potential.
• Serve as principal investigator on research projects, including acting as the main contact, writing protocols, making decisions during studies, and assisting with final results and impact write-ups.
• Lead commercial genetic testing with the Company’s genetic partners.
• Capture and validate processing-plant project data and results.
• Maintain data integrity by validating equipment and following study protocols.
• Safeguard colleagues and animals while working in any location.
• Provide on-farm animal care and maintenance support as needed.

Benefits

• Choice of a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
• Two dental coverage options, including preventive care coverage at 100%.
• Group-rate vision benefits.
• Complimentary basic life insurance and voluntary employee, spouse, and child life insurance policies.
• 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 a life event day and volunteer day each year 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