Research Specialist/Senior Research Specialist in Agriculture - Dixon Springs Agriculture Center

College of ACES - Department of Animal Sciences

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The Department of Animal Sciences operates our animal farms, laboratories, Feed Technology Center, meat and egg sales room, and other facilities to give students working experience in the field and to advance basic discovery and applied production research. Our farms operate on 1,300 acres, housing beef and dairy cattle, poultry, sheep, swine, and horses, and turning grain and forage into feed and bedding for our animals. And our facilities don’t stop at the boundary of our Urbana campus; we maintain and study herds at research and Extension centers throughout Illinois. The Dixon Springs Agricultural Center (DSAC) is located in the southern part of the state near Simpson, Illinois. The station operates on approximately 580 acres of university-owned property, and about 4,200 acres under special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service. The Department of Animal Sciences manages approximately 900 beef cows and their offspring that are involved in research focusing on improving beef cattle management, genetics, reproduction, and nutrition. The facilities at DSAC are also used for teaching activities, including training of undergraduate summer interns and graduate students. The University of Illinois Extension also houses a Livestock Extension Educator at DSAC and conducts numerous extension programs each year.

Primary Function of Research Specialist Agriculture Position: Serve as unit manager at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in the Department of ANSC. Manage operations, work closely with faculty conducting hands-on research, coordinating teaching, and upholding regulatory compliance at the Dixon Springs Agriculture Center in Simpson, IL.

Primary Function of Senior Research Specialist in Agriculture Position: Serve as unit manager and mentor to the DSAC team 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:

• Facilitate research, educational, and extension activities and needs of faculty, graduate students, and others at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center.

• Maintain and support research protocol standards to assure quality animal care compliance procedures.

• Collect, analyze, evaluate, and summarize empirical data including formulation of recommendations and implementation of improvements and planning to facilitate programmatic goals.

• Design, develop, implement, integrate, and maintain research data collection systems for the unit.

• Provide on-site management and supervision of the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in Simpson, IL.

• Establish written research targets, develop "Standard Operating Procedures", and enforce consistent research methodology associated with the unit.

• Aid with on-going teaching and/or training in any areas of human resources, environmental management, animal-care, safety, etc. which affect on-going regulatory requirements of the unit.

• Provide day-to-day supervision of animal care personnel including non-academic staff

• Establish and maintain professional standards for facility appearance. Assist with supervision of maintenance of facilities to ensure competence and integrity of research efforts.

• Coordinate and facilitate procurement of commodities and resources necessary for optimal operations and maintenance of Dixon Springs Agricultural Center facilities.

• Maintain fiscal responsibility at the facility including management of facility expenses, development of budgets and reports, recovery of teaching and research costs, and maintenance of accounting records for budgetary and compliance purposes.

• Other duties as assigned to enhance the mission of the department.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities for Senior Research Specialist in Agriculture:

• Provide advanced-level decisions based on production metrics, serving as a team leader for cattle production at DSAC and ability to provide feedback on the beef program overall.
• In coordination with faculty and departmental administrators, assist in implementing and upholding research and IACUC protocols.
• Mentor and support new managers and staff as needed.
• Utilize data to support outreach activities and to communicate with extension personnel.
• Serve on College and departmental committees as requested to ensure collaboration and strategic planning as required.

Minimum Qualifications for Research Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences or a related field.
• Two (2) years of hands-on experience managing a beef production facility.
• Computer experience in record keeping and inventory management.
• Supervisory experience.

Minimum Qualifications for Senior Research Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences or a related field.
• 6 years of hands-on experience managing a beef production facility.
• Computer experience in record keeping and inventory management.
• 4+ years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in management of employees including conflict resolution, scheduling and training.
• Experience with facility maintenance and overseeing these types of projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree specialization in Animal Science, Beef Reproduction, nutrition or equivalent.
• Experience with development of IACUC protocols and research experience.
• Demonstrated involvement and leadership in beef production organizations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Detail oriented, organized, and able to address multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work on computers using basic programs as well as beef specific production tracking software.
• Capable of working 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 animals.
• Understanding of and previous experience with pasture management and rotational grazing.
• Understanding of research design and data collection standards.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing of the position. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. 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 $80,000. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 5, 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 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: 1034745
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu