Research Specialist in Agriculture (Meat Science Laboratory)

Everything the College of ACES does is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

The Department of Animal Sciences operates animal farms, laboratories, the Feed Technology Center, the meat and egg sales room, and other facilities to give students working experience in the field and to advance basic discovery and applied production research. Our farms operate on 1,300 acres, housing beef and dairy cattle, poultry, sheep, swine, and horses, and turning grain and forage into feed and bedding for our animals. Facilities extend beyond the Urbana campus, with herds maintained and studied at research and Extension centers throughout Illinois.

The Meat Science Laboratory and Meat and Egg Sales unit supports meat science research, focusing on fresh meat quality and further processing. It provides training and hands-on experience for students planning careers in the meat industry and engages the community through Meat and Egg Sales, BBQ and Grilling courses, outreach, and meats judging activities.

About the Role

The Research Specialist in Agriculture assists with management of operations, works closely with faculty conducting hands-on research, coordinates teaching, and upholds regulatory compliance at the Meat Science Lab in Urbana, IL. The Senior Research Specialist in Agriculture manages these same operations with greater responsibility and oversight.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate slaughter and production schedule for the Meat Science Laboratory, including:
  • Arrange and interface with USDA inspection service to ensure coverage and maintain compliance.
  • Procure animals, ingredients, supplies, and resources.
  • Interact with other farm units to obtain animals and plan for future needs.
• Lead operations including the slaughter of animals, fabrication of carcasses, production, and further processed products.
• Set up the facility for operations days and develop and implement Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs).
• Oversee sales room operations including pricing, customer service, hours of operation, staffing, and advertisement.
• Provide day-to-day supervision of academic and non-academic staff working in the facility.
• Coordinate facility use and availability for educational needs of faculty, graduate students, and others.
• Coordinate teaching laboratory sections and interact with meats and other evaluation coaches to schedule practices, contests, and activities.
• Oversee procurement of animals and production of products for educational needs.
• Establish and reinforce consistent practices to produce high-quality research results.
• Provide ongoing training in slaughter techniques, carcass fabrication, further processing, and retail meat merchandising.
• Establish written research targets, develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and enforce consistent research methodology.
• Maintain fiscal responsibility, including management of facility expenses, budget development, cost recovery, and accounting records.
• Maintain and develop new avenues for retail and wholesale of meat products.
• Hire and supervise 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, PPE use, and electrical and chemical safety.
• Maintain records of safety inspections and accident reports.

Additional Responsibilities for Senior Research Specialist

• Implement cost-saving measures without compromising research quality or compliance.
• Maintain records in accordance with departmental standards.
• Develop and execute long-term financial and operational strategies.
• Reconcile monthly sales transactions.
• Oversee and manage the operations Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan.

Requirements

Research Specialist

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

Senior Research Specialist

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

Preferred Qualifications

Research Specialist

• M.S. degree with a specialization in meat science.
• Six (6) years of hands-on experience in a meat production facility.
• Experience managing a FSIS-inspected meat production facility.
• Experience in management of employees including conflict resolution, scheduling, and training.
• Experience with facility maintenance and overseeing projects.
• Understanding of research design and data collection standards.
• Experience with development of HACCP plans and SSOPs.
• Demonstrated involvement and leadership in meat-industry organizations.

Senior Research Specialist

• M.S. degree with a specialization in meat science.
• Eight (8) years of hands-on experience in a meat production facility.
• Experience managing a FSIS-inspected meat production facility.
• Experience in management of employees including conflict resolution, scheduling, and training.
• Experience with facility maintenance and overseeing projects.
• Understanding of research design and data collection standards.
• Experience with development of HACCP plans and SSOPs.
• Demonstrated involvement and leadership in meat-industry organizations.

Skills

• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to address multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Capable of working compatibly with other employees and staff.
• Able to communicate well with faculty, administrators, inspectors, veterinarians, students, staff, and visitors.
• Proficiency in humane slaughter techniques and fabrication of meat animals and meat products.

Working Conditions

The employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors including hot or cold weather, noise, allergens, and uneven ground. Physical demands include the ability to move, transfer, and/or transport items occasionally weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, as well as twisting, pushing, and pulling movements.

Schedule

This is a full-time (100%, 12-month) Academic Professional appointment, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after September 16, 2026.

Pay

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 for the Senior Research Specialist position is $70,000 to $85,000.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents