Assistant Cattle Genetics Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

We're looking for a driven and detail-oriented Professional Services Embryologist to play a hands-on role in supporting clients, veterinarians, and embryologists based in Sioux Center, IA. In this dynamic position, you'll play a vital role during in-clinic procedures with occasional travel to farms across the Plains Region, including Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, and Montana. Services include assisting with embryo transfers and performing essential lab procedures that directly impact breeding success.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy both on-farm and laboratory work, and want to be part of an innovative team shaping the future of animal genetics, this is the opportunity for you. Bring your passion for animal science, your precision in the lab, and your commitment to exceptional client service-and help us elevate outcomes for producers nationwide.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate on-farm embryo transfer trips and OPU collections, including gathering client details and ensuring embryos and supplies are on-site ahead of schedule.
• Maintain strong client communication and professional relationships, providing updates on transfer schedules, results, and any follow-up needs.
• Assist veterinarians and technicians with fresh and frozen embryo transfers during seasonal peak periods.
• Perform OPU and IVF lab procedures, including preparing work areas, media preparation, oocyte searching/handling, filter prep, and proper incubator management.
• Process, search, rinse, wash, grade, freeze, and thaw embryos according to IETS and Trans Ova protocols for both conventional and IVF programs.
• Maintain accurate labeling, data entry, and inventory records, including embryo inventories, nitrogen tank levels, and documentation from flushes and transfers.
• Uphold laboratory sanitation, safety standards, and compliance, following all Trans Ova policies, protocols, and workplace safety expectations.
• Collaborate with internal teams-including sales, marketing, shipping, and production-and perform additional duties as assigned to support daily operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BS in Animal Science or a related field; or a Veterinary Technician degree.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time behind a microscope.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Handling dexterity is required for manipulation of equipment and small objects.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, and peripheral vision, color/pattern recognition, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.
• Ability to work with liquid nitrogen. Travel is required.

OTHER SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Previous embryology experience highly desired but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to interact well with internal and external clients.
• Strong communication skills.

About Us
Trans Ova Genetics, a member of the URUS Group, provides industry-leading reproductive technologies and expertise to cattle breeders through a unique professional services team that works closely with clients to understand their breeding goals and ultimately help clients advance and extend superior genetics. Trans Ova Genetics understands the process that will help multiply a herd's genetic success. Reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), sexed-semen, genetic preservation, and cloning are considered the reproductive "tools" available for breeders looking to achieve specific breeding and reproductive goals. Internationally recognized as a source of superior animal husbandry and reproductive expertise, Trans Ova Genetics offers an integrated system of regional centers, satellite stations, and on-farm application of reproductive technologies.
Trans Ova's headquarters are in Sioux Center, Iowa, but we have many offices and satellite centers across the country. On-going research and applied science allow Trans Ova Genetics to develop and implement new technologies to help move the science of bovine genetic improvement forward. Trans Ova is dedicated to meeting the requirements of their customers and to continual improvement.
TOG has deep roots in the industry through its origin within the URUS family of companies. As a holding company with cooperative and private ownership, URUS is a family of businesses at the heart of the dairy and beef industry - Alta Genetics, GENEX, Genetics Australia, Leachman Cattle, Jetstream, PEAK, SCCL, Trans Ova Genetics and VAS. Each organization has its unique identity, products, and services. These companies work globally to provide cutting-edge dairy and beef genetics, customized reproductive services to maximize conceptions, dairy management information to take producers to the frontline of progressive dairy farming, and an array of products and services to help bovines reach their full genetic potential. URUS has 9 brands in 17 retail countries and employs nearly 2,800 people globally.