Junior Animal Scientist - Epivara

Epivara is a biotechnology company developing non-surgical sterilization technologies for animals. We aim to transform animal reproduction management through safe, effective, and accessible pharmaceutical solutions.

About The Role

To strengthen Epivara’s R&D capabilities, we are seeking a motivated and dependable Junior Animal Scientist to support animal R&D activities in a paid, professional role; recent graduates are encouraged to apply. The role will support projects involving pigs, dogs, cats, and potentially other species, with primary responsibility for routine pig-related activities during active studies and support for dog, cat, and other animal projects as needed.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in animal science or biology, excellent attention to detail, and commitment to animal care and welfare. The position offers broad, hands-on experience across species while contributing to meaningful scientific work in a growing organization

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, or a closely related field

• Strong interest in animal research and health, and hands-on animal work

• Willingness and ability to take primary responsibility for routine pig activities during active studies

• Willingness and ability to support dog, cat, and other animal projects as needed

• Ability to follow facility biosecurity requirements, including movement restrictions between facilities

• Attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation

• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills

• Ability to follow instructions, protocols, and safety requirements

• Dependability, professionalism, adaptability, and willingness to learn

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Recent graduates are welcome to apply; professional research experience is not required if applicants demonstrate relevant academic, laboratory, farm, veterinary, animal care, or other transferable experience

The following experience is helpful but not required:

• Hands-on experience with pigs, cats, dogs, or other animals

• Animal-related experience gained through coursework, research, farm work, veterinary settings, shelters, kennels, laboratories, or other animal care environments

• Familiarity with animal behavior and husbandry, sample collection, documentation, or data entry

• Familiarity with research protocols, facility biosecurity, or regulated research environments

• Availability for occasional work hours flexibility

• Serving as the primary team member for routine pig-related activities during active studies, including daily pig care, observation, handling, and monitoring during active studies

• Assisting with dog and cat studies when pig activities are not scheduled or no pig study is active

• Coordinating animal projects under facility biosecurity requirements, including separation periods between facilities

• Preparing for and carrying out animal studies and related procedures under appropriate supervision

• Accurately collecting and recording animal observations, study data, samples, and other project information

• Assisting with scheduling and supply preparation, inventory, equipment, and facility organization

• Following study protocols, standard procedures, animal welfare requirements, and applicable safety, biosecurity, and regulatory practices

• Collaborating with scientists, veterinarians, animal care personnel, university partners, and other team members

• Assisting with data organization, literature reviews, reports, and related scientific or administrative tasks

• Traveling between Epivara’s office, university-owned laboratories, and farms in Urbana Champaign (a personal vehicle is required)

This position may be part-time or full-time (40 hours per week). Part-time hours vary with project needs and candidate availability. The arrangement depends on Epivara’s needs, the position’s scope, and candidate qualifications. Please state your preference in the cover letter.

• Full-time:
  Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, and others.

• Part-time:
  Hourly Rate will be determined based on experience, scope of responsibility, and weekly commitment. Benefits include paid time off, a 401(k) plan, and others.

Applications must be received by September 13, 2026.

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