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Animal Science Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific ... food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs. We are currently looking for a Microbiology ...

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific ... food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs. We are currently looking for a Microbiology ...

Microbiology Lab Tech

Turlock, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific ... food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs. We are currently looking for a Microbiology ...

Unleash total career flexibility as an independent veterinary contractor with Vetco , a division of Petco, The Health + Wellness Company . We're on a mission to improve the lives of pets and pet ...

Vetco Relief Veterinarian - Merced, CA Petco Veterinary Services offers relief veterinarians the chance to work in two distinct settings: Vetco Vaccination Clinics and Vetco Total Care full-service ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Position Purpose: The purpose ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Science information

See Merced, CA salary details

$10

$22

$29

How much do animal science jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal science in Merced, CA is $22.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $26.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal science?

Animal science is the study of the biology, care, and management of animals that are under human control, such as livestock, companion animals, and laboratory animals. It covers topics like animal nutrition, genetics, physiology, behavior, and welfare. Professionals in this field work to improve animal health, productivity, and well-being, often contributing to food production, research, and public health. Careers in animal science can include roles in research, agriculture, veterinary support, and animal welfare organizations.

What are animal science jobs?

Animal science jobs include veterinarians, biologists, agricultural researchers, and livestock management positions. There are also opportunities in nutrition, breeding, animal behavior, food processing and manufacturing, and education. Your duties in an animal science job may vary significantly depending on the position. As a veterinarian, for example, your primary responsibilities are to provide medical care for animals, but you may also aid in research to support clinical breakthroughs, herd health, and other facets of animal science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, animal physiology, genetics, and nutrition, typically supported by a bachelor's or advanced degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and sometimes certifications like Professional Animal Scientist (PAS) are commonly required. Strong observation skills, critical thinking, and effective communication make candidates stand out in research and collaboration settings. These skills ensure accurate research, ethical animal care, and the advancement of agricultural or biomedical goals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in animal science, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in animal science often encounter challenges such as balancing animal welfare with productivity goals, staying updated with rapidly evolving research, and managing biosecurity risks. Addressing these challenges involves continuous professional development, effective collaboration with veterinarians and other specialists, and adherence to ethical and safety standards. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential for working with diverse teams, including farm staff, researchers, and regulatory bodies, to ensure best practices are consistently implemented.

Is animal science a useful degree?

Animal science is a useful degree for careers in livestock management, research, veterinary assistance, and the agricultural industry. It provides knowledge of animal biology, nutrition, and husbandry, often requiring hands-on experience and certifications. Graduates can work in farms, laboratories, or regulatory agencies, with job prospects depending on specialization and location.

What can I be with an animal science degree?

An animal science degree prepares individuals for careers such as animal technician, livestock manager, research scientist, or veterinarian technician. It provides knowledge of animal biology, management, and nutrition, often requiring hands-on experience and certifications for certain roles.

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Animal Science jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Animal Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Science job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,236 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Senior Director, R&D PMO & Innovation Excellence

Neogen Corporation

Turlock, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Neogen rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing!
Neogen is seeking a strategic, execution-focused Senior Director, R&D PMO & Innovation Excellence to lead the enterprise program management office and strengthen how the organization turns innovation and strategic priorities into measurable business outcomes. This senior leadership role will establish an effective operating model for portfolio governance, resource allocation, integrated planning, and delivery across high-priority R&D, product development, transformation, and integration initiatives. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in portfolio management and needs-driven innovation, enabling teams to make informed decisions, accelerate value delivery, and create solutions that address meaningful customer and market needs.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and continuously improve Neogen's R&D PMO operating model, including portfolio governance, decision rights, reporting cadences, escalation paths, standard work, and program management capabilities.
  • Create and maintain a reliable enterprise view of the strategic portfolio, including initiative ownership, outcomes, milestones, dependencies, risks, capacity needs, investments, and value realization.
  • Partner with executive and cross-functional leaders to translate strategy into an executable portfolio; facilitate prioritization, stage-gate, investment, continuation, acceleration, and risk-management decisions.
  • Embed repeatable needs-driven innovation practices across R&D and product-development work, including customer observation, problem definition, need screening, concept development, prototyping, evidence planning, and implementation readiness.
  • Provide executive oversight for complex, high-risk, and cross-enterprise programs, aligning R&D, Product Management, Commercial, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, Finance, IT/Digital, Legal, and other functions around shared outcomes.
  • Build a high-performing PMO and innovation excellence team through talent development, coaching, communities of practice, performance management, and reusable tools, playbooks, and learning processes.
Job Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, business, operations, or a related discipline; an advanced degree, MBA, master's degree, or doctorate is preferred.
  • Typically 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in portfolio management, program management, product development, innovation, operations, transformation, or related fields, including 7+ years leading complex cross-functional programs and/or a PMO.
  • Demonstrated success building, transforming, or leading an enterprise or business-unit PMO and improving portfolio decisions, delivery performance, resource productivity, and benefits realization.
  • Deep practitioner experience with needs-driven innovation methods, including observation, need finding, need screening, concept development, prototyping, and implementation planning; formal Biodesign training is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of portfolio management, stage-gate governance, integrated planning, capacity and resource management, risk management, business-case analysis, and executive-level reporting. PMP, PgMP, PfMP, Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or comparable certifications are preferred.
  • Experience in regulated product environments and guiding products, diagnostics, instruments, consumables, software/digital solutions, services, or integrated platforms through development and commercialization. Experience in food safety, animal safety, life sciences, diagnostics, medical technology, laboratory workflows, industrial biotechnology, or related industries is preferred.
What We Offer
  • A strategic leadership opportunity to shape Neogen's enterprise approach to innovation, portfolio management, and program execution.
  • The ability to influence high-impact initiatives that support customer value, sustainable growth, operational readiness, quality, and long-term business performance.
  • Collaboration with senior leaders and global cross-functional teams in a complex, purpose-driven, regulated environment.
  • The opportunity to build enduring organizational capabilities through practical PMO disciplines, innovation methods, and leadership development.
  • A standard benefits package.

If you are an accomplished portfolio and innovation leader who can bring clarity to complexity, build alignment across diverse stakeholders, and turn strategy into disciplined execution, we'd love to hear from you. Join Neogen and help advance the programs, products, and capabilities that create meaningful value for customers and the business.
Come Be Part Of A Mission that Matters!
From inside the farm gate to our dinner plates, Neogen protects the world's food supply. Through a variety of animal healthcare products, to food safety solutions for dangerous bacteria, allergens, toxins, drug residues and much more, Neogen is there - and you can be too.

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