Research Specialist or Senior Research Specialist in Agriculture, Poultry Research Farm

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The University of Illinois is
seeking a qualified individual to manage the daily operations at the Poultry
Research Farm Urbana, IL and to coordinate research,
teaching, and outreach activities at the site. The position directs
unit staff including full-time assistant research specialists and undergraduate
students; and interacts closely with faculty, staff, students, administrators,
other research unit supervisors, veterinarians, and compliance personnel.

Primary
Function of Research Specialist Agriculture Position:
Serve as unit manager
at the Poultry Research Laboratory (Farm) in the Department of Animal Sciences.
Manage operations, work closely with faculty conducting hands-on research,
coordinating teaching, and upholding regulatory compliance.

Primary Function of Senior Research Specialist in
Agriculture Position:
Serve as unit manager and mentor to the Poultry Research
Laboratory (Farm) and provide advanced tracking and decision making based on
animal production metrics. In coordination with research staff, assist in
implementing and upholding research and IACUC protocols. Manage student interns
and support departmental outreach activities.

Major
Duties and Responsibilities:
Operation and Maintenance
* Lead operations
at the Poultry Research Farm including animal care, inventory management,
manure management, facility maintenance, and equipment maintenance.
Ensure proper
diet preparation and feeding amounts throughout the unit.
Work with
veterinary professionals in setting up a flock health plan.
Enforce and
maintain the flock health plan.
Provide
proper treatment and care to animals at the unit.
Maintain a
proper inventory of animals at the unit and be able to provide this information
to business and animal care professionals.
Oversee the
application of manure to university owned farm ground.
Ensure that
application is done within the standards and maintain compliance of such
applications.
Submit work
orders to university facilities group and ensure this work is completed within
the timeframe needed.
Coordinate
work with outside contractors to complete facility maintenance.
Supervise
maintenance of facilities to ensure competence and integrity of research
efforts.
Make sure
that all equipment at the unit is in safe and proper working condition. Make or
arrange the proper repairs when needed.
* Coordinate and
facilitate procurement of commodities and resources necessary for optimal
operations and maintenance of the unit.
* Provide
day-to-day supervision of personnel of academic and non-academic staff working
in the facility.
* Establish
written and well developed "Standard Operating Procedures", and enforce them.

Research, Teaching, and Outreach Leadership and
Support
* Coordinate
facility use and availability for educational needs of faculty, graduate
students, and others at the Poultry Research Farm.
Coordinate
teaching laboratory sections at the unit.
Oversee the
procurement of animals and production of needed products for educational needs.
* Establish and
reinforce consistent practices to produce high-quality research results.
Provide
ongoing training of research personnel in poultry production practices
including animal handling, proper treatment techniques, illness/injury
detection and euthanasia.
* Lead tours of
the facility for internal and external groups.

Regulatory and Financial Oversight
* Maintain fiscal
responsibility of the Poultry Farm accounts.
Monitor
transactions on both accounts and ensure that these transactions are accurate.
Input P-card
transactions and upload proper documentation.
Hire and
supervise needed staff to maintain operations and optimize staff costs.
* Promote and
maintain a work environment with the highest standards of worker safety.
Attend
departmental operational, safety, and development meetings.
Establish and
maintain professional and safe standards for facility appearance.
Supervise
maintenance of facilities to ensure competence and integrity of research
efforts.
Provide
training on and reinforcement of safe working standards including lock-out,
tag-out, use of PPE, and electrical and chemical safety.
* Ensure
regulatory compliance with university, state, and federal agencies.
Establish
written research targets, develop "Standard Operating Procedures",
and enforce consistent research methodology associated with the unit.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities
for Senior Research Specialist in Agriculture:

• Conduct cost-benefit analyses to identify areas where expenses can be
  reduced or efficiency can be improved.
• Implement
  cost-saving measures without compromising the quality of research or
  compliance.
• Maintain records
  in accordance to departmental standards.
• Develop and
  execute long-term financial and operational strategies.

• B.S. degree in Animal Sciences
  or a related field.
• Two (2) years of hands-on experience at a poultry
  production facility.
• Computer experience in record keeping and inventory
  management.
• Supervisory experience.

Minimum Qualifications for Senior
Research Specialist:

• B.S. degree in Animal
  Sciences or a related field.
• More than six (6+) years of hands-on experience at
  a poultry production facility.
• Computer experience in record keeping and
  inventory management.
• More than four (4+) years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications for Research
Specialist:

• Six (6) years of hands-on experience at a poultry production facility.
• Experience in working in a research poultry production unit.
• Experience in managing employees, including conflict resolution, scheduling and training.
• Experience with facility maintenance and overseeing these types of projects.
• Understanding of research design and data collection standards.
• Familiarity with layer hens and breeding flocks.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Research Specialist:

• M.S. degree in Animal Sciences
  or a related field.
• More than eight (8+) years of
  hands-on experience at a poultry production facility.
• Experience in working in a
  research poultry production unit.
• Experience in management of
  employees including conflict resolution, scheduling and training.
• Experience with facility
  maintenance and overseeing these types of projects.
• Familiarity with layer hens
  and breeding flocks.
• Understanding of research design and data collection
  standards.

• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to address multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work compatibly with other employees and staff.
• Ability to communicate well with faculty, administrators, inspectors, veterinarians, students, staff, and visitors.
• Ability and proficiency in humane euthanasia of poultry.

This is a full-time (100%, 12-month) Academic Professional appointment. Salary
is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also
considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for the Research
Specialist position is $60,000 to $70,000 and the budgeted salary range for the
Senior Research Specialist position is $70,000 to $85,000. This position is not
eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 31th, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jonathon Mosley, Department of Animal Sciences (jfmosley@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1037222

Job Category: Research

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu