Postdoctoral Position In Poultry Jobs in Champaign, IL

Research Specialist or Senior Research Specialist in Agriculture, Poultry Research Farm
College of ACES - Department of Animal Sciences
WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything the College of ACES does is designed to improve the quality of lifeof the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around theworld. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to addresssocietal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a waythat empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels ofunderstanding and influence.
Be a part of our story.
The University of Illinois isseeking a qualified individual to manage the daily operations at the PoultryResearch Farm Urbana, IL and to coordinate research,teaching, and outreach activities at the site. The position directsunit staff including full-time assistant research specialists and undergraduatestudents; and interacts closely with faculty, staff, students, administrators,other research unit supervisors, veterinarians, and compliance personnel.
PrimaryFunction of Research Specialist Agriculture Position:
Serve as unit managerat 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 inAgriculture Position:
Serve as unit manager and mentor to the Poultry ResearchLaboratory (Farm) and provide advanced tracking and decision making based onanimal production metrics. In coordination with research staff, assist inimplementing and upholding research and IACUC protocols. Manage student internsand support departmental outreach activities.
MajorDuties and Responsibilities:
Operation and Maintenance
• Lead operationsat the Poultry Research Farm including animal care, inventory management,manure management, facility maintenance, and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure properdiet preparation and feeding amounts throughout the unit.
• Work withveterinary professionals in setting up a flock health plan.
• Enforce andmaintain the flock health plan.
• Provideproper treatment and care to animals at the unit.
• Maintain aproper inventory of animals at the unit and be able to provide this informationto business and animal care professionals.
• Oversee theapplication of manure to university owned farm ground.
• Ensure thatapplication is done within the standards and maintain compliance of suchapplications.
• Submit workorders to university facilities group and ensure this work is completed withinthe timeframe needed.
• Coordinatework with outside contractors to complete facility maintenance.
• Supervisemaintenance of facilities to ensure competence and integrity of researchefforts.
• Make surethat all equipment at the unit is in safe and proper working condition. Make orarrange the proper repairs when needed.
• Coordinate andfacilitate procurement of commodities and resources necessary for optimaloperations and maintenance of the unit.
• Provideday-to-day supervision of personnel of academic and non-academic staff workingin the facility.
• Establishwritten and well developed "Standard Operating Procedures", and enforce them.
Research, Teaching, and Outreach Leadership andSupport
• Coordinatefacility use and availability for educational needs of faculty, graduatestudents, and others at the Poultry Research Farm.
• Coordinateteaching laboratory sections at the unit.
• Oversee theprocurement of animals and production of needed products for educational needs.
• Establish andreinforce consistent practices to produce high-quality research results.
• Provideongoing training of research personnel in poultry production practicesincluding animal handling, proper treatment techniques, illness/injurydetection and euthanasia.
• Lead tours ofthe facility for internal and external groups.
Regulatory and Financial Oversight
• Maintain fiscalresponsibility of the Poultry Farm accounts.
• Monitortransactions on both accounts and ensure that these transactions are accurate.
• Input P-cardtransactions and upload proper documentation.
• Hire andsupervise needed staff to maintain operations and optimize staff costs.
• Promote andmaintain a work environment with the highest standards of worker safety.
• Attenddepartmental operational, safety, and development meetings.
• Establish andmaintain professional and safe standards for facility appearance.
• Supervisemaintenance of facilities to ensure competence and integrity of researchefforts.
• Providetraining on and reinforcement of safe working standards including lock-out,tag-out, use of PPE, and electrical and chemical safety.
• Ensureregulatory compliance with university, state, and federal agencies.
• Establishwritten research targets, develop "Standard Operating Procedures",and enforce consistent research methodology associated with the unit.
Additional Duties and Responsibilitiesfor Senior Research Specialist in Agriculture:

• Conduct cost-benefit analyses to identify areas where expenses can bereduced or efficiency can be improved.
• Implementcost-saving measures without compromising the quality of research orcompliance.
• Maintain recordsin accordance to departmental standards.
• Develop andexecute long-term financial and operational strategies.

Minimum Qualifications for Research Specialist

• B.S. degree in Animal Sciencesor a related field.
• Two (2) years of hands-on experience at a poultryproduction facility.
• Computer experience in record keeping and inventorymanagement.
• Supervisory experience.

Minimum Qualifications for SeniorResearch Specialist:

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

Preferred Qualifications for ResearchSpecialist:

• 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 Sciencesor a related field.
• More than eight (8+) years ofhands-on experience at a poultry production facility.
• Experience in working in aresearch poultry production unit.
• Experience in management ofemployees including conflict resolution, scheduling and training.
• Experience with facilitymaintenance and overseeing these types of projects.
• Familiarity with layer hensand breeding flocks.
• Understanding of research design and data collectionstandards.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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.

Appointment Information
This is a full-time (100%, 12-month) Academic Professional appointment. Salaryis competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while alsoconsidering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for the ResearchSpecialist position is $60,000 to $70,000 and the budgeted salary range for theSenior Research Specialist position is $70,000 to $85,000. This position is noteligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
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