Scientist I

University of Wisconsin Stout • River Falls, WI

5d

About The Position

A trainer, researcher, and teaching position in the Humane Handling Institute and Department of Animal and Food Science. This full-time, 9-month contract position contributes to the Institute’s training activities, conducts and disseminates research, collaborates to procure extramural funding for research studies, and teaches an average of 9 credits per academic year in the Animal and Food Science Department.

The successful candidate will develop and deliver educational content on the safe and humane handling of animals in livestock production facilities and slaughter establishments, and contribute to the direction and supervision of program technicians. They will develop a practical, field-oriented research program to improve animal welfare in production and slaughter settings. Research work includes developing data protocols, collecting and analyzing data, presenting results, supervising research technicians, and publishing research articles. The candidate will also teach courses aligned with their expertise and interests, with emphasis on animal welfare and behavior.

Requirements

• PhD in animal science or a related field before the start date.
• Ability and willingness to conduct field research.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong statistical analysis skills.
• Ability to travel for data collection.
• Ability to possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Familiarity with navigating meat processing and slaughter establishments.
• Interest in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Experience teaching collegiate-level animal welfare and behavior courses.
• Experience coaching competitive judging teams.
• Certification(s) in agricultural animal welfare assessment and/or auditing.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term; visa sponsorship is not offered.

Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and deliver educational content about safe and humane animal handling in livestock production facilities and slaughter establishments.
• Contribute to the direction and supervision of program technicians.
• Develop a research program focused on practical improvements to animal welfare in production and slaughter settings that can be readily translated to field application.
• Lead and collaborate on the development of data protocols, data collection, statistical analysis, presentation of results, supervision of research technicians, and publication of research articles.
• Teach courses aligned with the candidate’s expertise and interests, with emphasis on animal welfare and behavior, averaging 9 credits per academic year.
• Conduct literature reviews; prepare reports and materials; and disseminate information to appropriate entities.
• Serve as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders, providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area.
• Assist with identifying research problems and developing research methodologies and procedures.
• Attend and assist with scholarly events and presentations that support professional development and dissemination of research information.
• Collect and analyze research data, conduct experiments and interviews, and document results according to established policies and procedures.
• Write or assist in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding.
• Collaborate with the Humane Handling Institute and Animal Welfare Lab to procure extramural funding for research studies.

Benefits

• Exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%.
• Paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree