Research Technician

Summary: 

Suidae Health & Production is seeking a Research Technician who will be actively involved in innovative research projects and endeavors, among other responsibilities such as periodic choring and managing a 2,400 head swine research facility with state-of-the-art technology and research capabilities. This role requires a high degree of skill in maintaining established standards of quality and accuracy. Motivation, determination, and a self-disciplined approach to achieving results that meet these established criteria are a necessity for successful job performance. We also require technical problem solving and impeccable attention to detail while working within approved organizational systems and technology.

Job Research Related Responsibilities:

Assistance in all research projects; includes helping with all aspects from protocol development to pre-trial preparation, trial monitoring and on-farm activities when necessary.

• Following research protocols as written.
• Learning and understanding research equipment and advanced technology.
• Keeping trial information organized to ensure quality and accuracy of data collection.
• Oversee enrollment days which may include tagging, weighing, and allotting of newly placed pigs.
• Assist the research team with additional support and labor on other projects when needed.
• Learn and conduct various types of pig sample collection and processing, including pig restraint and handling.
• Work closely with the research team by communicating on a regular basis to ensure the success of the ongoing study.
• Communicate with the research team in a timely manner regarding scheduling and desired time off.
• Willing to take on new projects and support testing of new equipment or concepts.
• Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.

Other Responsibilities:

• Assist the Suidae Innovation Station site manager, as needed, including periodic weekend chores.
• Barn preparation for new groups of pigs.
• Receiving wean pigs and loading market hogs.
• Provide high-quality pig care, environment, and access to basic needs for all animals on site.
  • Timely euthanasia of pigs, as needed
  • Daily observations and completion of records, logs, and checklists, as needed.
  • Weigh pigs on a regular basis as indicated in the research protocol.
  • Basic interior and exterior site maintenance, as needed.
  • Power washing, as needed.
  • Responds to barn alarms in a timely manner.
• Production responsibilities and choring of other Suidae affiliated or client barns, as needed.
• Supporting the Production Team with various tasks, visits, or responsibilities, as needed.
• Execution or assistance with biosecurity related tasks, if needed.
• If bilingual, be a resource for Spanish translation and training including but not limited to on-farm training, translation of calls and meetings, translation of written documents, and assistance during interviews.
• Collaborates with, and supports, other Suidae personnel in meeting their farm management responsibilities. Including: human resources, veterinarian, record keeping, herd health, supply ordering, pig flow coordination and accounting.
• Willingness to be flexible and assist veterinarians for sample collections, diagnostic work ups or routine surveillance needs.
• Learning and then assisting in implementation and training of all new technologies.
• Travel to research and production sites, including extended hours or overnight stays, as needed.
• Always maintains a high level of biosecurity and follows all related procedures.
• Supporting and promoting company policies, procedures, and values.
• Always maintains a positive company image.

Job Requirements:

• Experience in swine handling- movement, snaring, holding, restraining (required)
• Ability to lift 50lbs (required)
• Swine production experience- choring, humane euthanasia, and treatments (required)
• Reliable vehicle and driver’s license (required)
• Microsoft Word and Excel experience (required)
• English speaking level B2 or above (required)
• Must have a team-player mentality and be willing to assist where and when needed.
• Spanish fluency (preferred)
• PQA Plus certified (preferred)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Suidae is an at-will employer and employment can be ended by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.

If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact Human Resources at: 515-295-8777 or HR@Suidaehp.com.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.