Production Research Coordinator

Department: Research
FLSA Status: Non – ExemptApprox. # of People Supervised: 0

The Production Research Coordinator coordinates and supports the day-to-day execution of livestock research trials at the research farm, partnering with research scientists, research associates, and farm operations personnel to ensure trials are conducted accurately, safely, ethically, and in accordance with approved protocols.

This is a hands-on role that includes regularly preparing and manufacturing research diets and working directly with feed manufacturing and delivery systems. The Production Research Coordinator must have strong mechanical aptitude and be comfortable operating equipment, identifying mechanical issues, performing basic troubleshooting and maintenance, and determining when additional support is needed. Responsibilities also include maintaining complete and reliable trial data, monitoring animal health and welfare, and performing general swine production activities.

Success requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, effective communication, and a commitment to biosecurity, animal welfare, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily activities for active and upcoming research trials in accordance with established protocols, schedules, and data-quality standards.
• Collaborate with research scientists and associates to identify operational needs, resolve trial issues, and improve research processes.
• Collect, verify, enter, and maintain daily trial data, including animal weights, feed weights, feed consumption, health observations, and other required records.
• Enter data into spreadsheets and approved company systems accurately and on time; perform basic data checks and report discrepancies promptly.
• Prepare and manufacture research diets according to established formulations and research protocols, including weighing ingredients, operating feed-manufacturing equipment, and ensuring diets are produced accurately and on schedule.
• Transport and deliver research diets across the farm as required, including safely operating the farm’s 10-speed manual-transmission feed truck.
• Operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance on computerized feeding systems, feed-manufacturing equipment, and other farm equipment. Use mechanical aptitude to identify problems, complete basic repairs within scope, and escalate issues requiring additional expertise.
• Assist with weighing trial pigs, vacuuming and weighing feed, recording feed consumption, and completing other trial-related measurements.
• Support daily swine farm operations, including animal observation, vaccination, approved treatments, ventilation adjustments, barn checks, and documentation.
• Observe animals routinely and promptly report health, welfare, equipment, environmental, or biosecurity concerns.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas; assist with equipment cleaning, routine maintenance, inventory, and supply needs.
• Follow approved research protocols, animal-care practices, medication procedures, biosecurity requirements, and company safety policies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in training, continuous-improvement initiatives, and cross-functional projects that support research and farm operations.
• Maintain confidentiality of research data, trial results, and proprietary company information.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Work is performed in a research farm environment with regular exposure to livestock, dust, odors, noise, mechanical equipment, and varying indoor and outdoor temperatures.
• May require flexibility in work hours to meet animal-care, research trial, and operational needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, or a related field;…