Research Scientist - Canine Nutrition, Health, and Aging

Full job description

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Four Rivers Kennel is a research facility that performs independent nutrition research for the pet industry, and along with our own innovative research, aims to enhance understanding of canine health, nutrition, and aging. The Research Scientist – Canine Nutrition, Health, and Aging position leads and executes scientific studies in support of new product development for the pet industry. This role is responsible for designing and conducting research projects, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific publications and presentations. The position also involves collaborating with external research partners, overseeing laboratory operations, and mentoring junior researchers. The ideal candidate would have research experience in any of the following areas: companion animal nutrition/nutrient requirements, cognition, exercise physiology, muscle and joint health, transcriptomics and microbiome, immunology.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Research Project Management

Design, conduct, and manage research studies for clientele

• Communicate with clients to determine research needs and budget
• Prepare quotes and invoices
• Design and technical oversight of research studies (3-6 per year)
• Data collection, creation and management of data workbooks for each study, and statistical analysis of the results
• Present findings to clients in written reports
• When appropriate, present research findings through conference presentations (oral or poster) and publish scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journal

In-house research and development

• Identify potential funding opportunities and manage funded projects.
• Write and submit grant and study proposals, ensuring alignment with company and industry objectives. (1 – 3 grant proposals per year on average)
• Design and oversee research studies that further Four River’s scientific capabilities and understanding of canine health and nutrition
• Present research findings through conference presentations (oral or poster) and publish scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals
• Develop and validate new laboratory methods using GC/IRMS, GC/MS, GC/FID, HPLC, ELISA, flow cytometry, and/or indirect calorimetry.

Laboratory & Team Management

• Represent the company at national conferences, engaging with vendors, clients, and research collaborators.
• Train and mentor technicians, visiting scientists, and student researchers.
• Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new methodologies, including preventative maintenance and troubleshooting protocols.
• Recruit, interview, and onboard new employees.
• Ensure research projects and grants meet deadlines and quality standards.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Animal Science, Nutrition, Biochemistry, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience

• Minimum 2–5 years of experience in scientific research, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
• Previous experience in grant writing, manuscript preparation, and conference presentations.
• Experience conducting canine nutrition, metabolic, and cognitive studies preferred.
• Experience in laboratory techniques, including gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, flow cytometry, and ELISA assays.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Possess or develop thorough knowledge of animal nutrition, metabolism, and aging research.
• Ability to collaborate with external research partners and maintain professional relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, respond to shifting research priorities, and thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, JMP, SAS, SPSS), data management, and Excel.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills for publications and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train junior researchers.
• IRMS, GC-MS, or HPLC knowledge/experience highly preferred
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines related to pet food and nutritional supplements.
• Familiarity with animal science research methodology, and data analysis.

Working Conditions

• Primarily laboratory and office-based, with routine animal work for research trials.
• May require occasional evening, weekend, and/or holiday work to meet project deadlines.
• Travel required for conferences, research collaborations, and industry meetings (up to 5%).
• Regular exposure to animals, biological samples, and laboratory chemicals.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds for equipment setup, positioning of dogs for DEXA scans, stocking of research diet and related laboratory work.

Our work environment includes:

• Opportunities available for candidate to continue their nutrition research career
• Casual work attire
• For more information visit our website: www.fourriverskennel.com

Salary is negotiable; based on experience and education.

We are a rapidly growing state of the art facility and are looking for an energetic, creative, and innovative researcher!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Starting at $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person