Animal Researcher Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Kemin is seeking a strategic leader to advance our Animal Nutrition and Health Technical Services function, driving the development of technical capabilities that strengthen commercial growth, enhance scientific credibility, and deliver meaningful customer value. This role will lead the strategy and execution of large-animal research, field validation programs, and technical knowledge development, positioning Kemin as an industry leader in applied science, product performance, and technical education.

The ideal candidate is a business-minded technical leader who views Technical Services as a key driver of growth, leveraging credible, differentiated science to generate data that supports product claims, accelerates sales, and creates customer value. They will have a proven track record of building high-performing teams, improving sales effectiveness, increasing product adoption and retention, and establishing a clear link between technical investments and measurable commercial outcomes.

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet.

We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet's natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well-being:

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support: Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on-site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.

Technical Services Function Leadership

• Lead, develop, and scale the Technical Services organization across species and regions.
• Define the vision, structure, and operating model for technical support aligned to commercial strategy.
• Establish clear priorities, KPIs, and resource allocation for maximum business impact.
• Recruit, develop, and coach technical talent to build a high-performing, credible field organization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, scientific rigor, and customer-centric execution.

Technical Capability Development

• Own and continuously enhance the organization's technical expertise and competitive differentiation.
• Standardize tools, methodologies, and training for consistent, high-quality technical delivery.
• Ensure the team can effectively translate science application economic value.
• Build advanced capabilities in:
  • Gut health / microbiome / fermentation
  • Production system optimization (beef, dairy, equine, etc.)
  • Data interpretation and ROI modeling

Large Animal Research & Trial Governance

• Lead strategy and execution for large animal field research and validation trials.
• Establish a robust pipeline of commercially relevant trials aligned to business priorities.
• Define and enforce trial design standards, statistical rigor, and data integrity expectations.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare, regulatory, and internal research protocols.
• Oversee external research partners (universities, contract research, key accounts).

Applied Science & Knowledge Creation

• Drive development of research that advances industry understanding and supports product claims.
• Translate study outcomes into practical application guidelines and differentiated positioning.
• Publish, present, and disseminate findings to build technical credibility and thought leadership.
• Ensure insights are captured and embedded into sales enablement and marketing narratives.

Commercial & Strategic Enablement

• Act as a strategic partner to commercial leadership, aligning technical priorities to growth objectives.
• Ensure technical efforts directly support:
• Product adoption
• Market expansion
• Key account penetration
• Guide development of technical value propositions and proof points.
• Support high-impact customer engagements where technical credibility is critical.

Cross-Functional Influence

• Represent the voice of the customer and field reality into R&D, product management, and marketing.
• Shape innovation pipelines based on validated needs and performance gaps.
• Partner with regulatory to ensure claims substantiation and compliant positioning.
• Align closely with supply chain on product usability and application requirements.

External Engagement & Industry Leadership

• Build relationships with key opinion leaders, universities, and industry organizations.
• Position the company as a leader in applied nutrition and feed additive science.
• Deliver technical presentations at industry events, customer meetings, and scientific forums.

• Education and Experience:
  • PhD, DVM, or MS (PhD preferred) in Animal Science, Nutrition, Microbiology, or related field with 10-15+ years in animal nutrition/feed additives with progressive leadership responsibility
  • Proven experience leading field research, technical teams, and commercial enablement
• Builds and scales high-impact technical organizations.
• Drives alignment between science, strategy, and execution.
• Influences cross-functional stakeholders at senior levels.
• Deep expertise in applied nutrition and production systems.
• Strong command of trial design, statistics, and data interpretation.
• Ability to convert complex science into clear, actionable insights.
• Connects technical activities to revenue growth and market differentiation.
• Prioritizes resources based on business impact and ROI.
• Anticipates industry trends and positions the organization accordingly.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decisionmaking, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview can email TalentAcquisition.US@Kemin.com.

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required.  Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.

Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus. 

#LI-MN1