WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything the College of ACES does is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
Be a part of our story.
The University of Illinois is seeking a qualified individual to manage the daily operations at the Poultry Research Farm Urbana, IL and to coordinate research, teaching, and outreach activities at the site. The position directs unit staff including full-time assistant research specialists and undergraduate students; and interacts closely with faculty, staff, students, administrators, other research unit supervisors, veterinarians, and compliance personnel.
Primary Function of Research Specialist Agriculture Position:
Serve as unit manager at 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 in Agriculture Position:
Serve as unit manager and mentor to the Poultry Research Laboratory (Farm) and provide advanced tracking and decision making based on animal production metrics. In coordination with research staff, assist in implementing and upholding research and IACUC protocols. Manage student interns and support departmental outreach activities.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Operation and Maintenance
- Lead operations at the Poultry Research Farm including animal care, inventory management, manure management, facility maintenance, and equipment maintenance.
- Ensure proper diet preparation and feeding amounts throughout the unit.
- Work with veterinary professionals in setting up a flock health plan.
- Enforce and maintain the flock health plan.
- Provide proper treatment and care to animals at the unit.
- Maintain a proper inventory of animals at the unit and be able to provide this information to business and animal care professionals.
- Oversee the application of manure to university owned farm ground.
- Ensure that application is done within the standards and maintain compliance of such applications.
- Submit work orders to university facilities group and ensure this work is completed within the timeframe needed.
- Coordinate work with outside contractors to complete facility maintenance.
- Supervise maintenance of facilities to ensure competence and integrity of research efforts.
- Make sure that all equipment at the unit is in safe and proper working condition. Make or arrange the proper repairs when needed.
- Coordinate and facilitate procurement of commodities and resources necessary for optimal operations and maintenance of the unit.
- Provide day-to-day supervision of personnel of academic and non-academic staff working in the facility.
- Establish written and well developed “Standard Operating Procedures”, and enforce them.
Research, Teaching, and Outreach Leadership and Support
- Coordinate facility use and availability for educational needs of faculty, graduate students, and others at the Poultry Research Farm.
- Coordinate teaching laboratory sections at the unit.
- Oversee the procurement of animals and production of needed products for educational needs.
- Establish and reinforce consistent practices to produce high-quality research results.
- Provide ongoing training of research personnel in poultry production practices including animal handling, proper treatment techniques, illness/injury detection and euthanasia.
- Lead tours of the facility for internal and external groups.
Regulatory and Financial Oversight
- Maintain fiscal responsibility of the Poultry Farm accounts.
- Monitor transactions on both accounts and ensure that these transactions are accurate.
- Input P-card transactions and upload proper documentation.
- Hire and supervise needed staff to maintain operations and optimize staff costs.
- Promote and maintain a work environment with the highest standards of worker safety.
- Attend departmental operational, safety, and development meetings.
- Establish and maintain professional and safe standards for facility appearance.
- Supervise maintenance of facilities to ensure competence and integrity of research efforts.
- Provide training on and reinforcement of safe working standards including lock-out, tag-out, use of PPE, and electrical and chemical safety.
- Ensure regulatory compliance with university, state, and federal agencies.
- Establish written research targets, develop "Standard Operating Procedures", and enforce consistent research methodology associated with the unit.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities for Senior Research Specialist in Agriculture:
- Conduct cost-benefit analyses to identify areas where expenses can be reduced or efficiency can be improved.
- Implement cost-saving measures without compromising the quality of research or compliance.
- Maintain records in accordance to departmental standards.
- Develop and execute long-term financial and operational strategies.
- B.S. degree in Animal Sciences or a related field.
- Two (2) years of hands-on experience at a poultry production facility.
- Computer experience in record keeping and inventory management.
- Supervisory experience.
Minimum Qualifications for Senior Research Specialist:
- B.S. degree in Animal Sciences or a related field.
- More than six (6+) years of hands-on experience at a poultry production facility.
- Computer experience in record keeping and inventory management.
- More than four (4+) years of supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications for Research Specialist:
- 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 Sciences or a related field.
- More than eight (8+) years of hands-on experience at a poultry production facility.
- Experience in working in a research poultry production unit.
- Experience in management of employees including conflict resolution, scheduling and training.
- Experience with facility maintenance and overseeing these types of projects.
- Familiarity with layer hens and breeding flocks.
- Understanding of research design and data collection standards.
- 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.
This is a full-time (100%, 12-month) Academic Professional appointment. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for the Research Specialist position is $60,000 to $70,000 and the budgeted salary range for the Senior Research Specialist position is $70,000 to $85,000. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
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 ([email protected]). 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 [email protected].
Requisition ID: 1037222
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
