Position Title: Technical Services Scientist – Poultry HeadStart
Job Category: Research
Employee Type: Full Time Exempt
Required Degree: Doctorate
Travel: 50%
Manage Others: No
Minimum Experience: 2 Years
Position Summary:
The primary purpose of this role is to provide technical support to customers and the sales team for the HeadStart (HDST) program. This position is essential for maintaining and expanding United’s business by delivering strong customer service, technical expertise, practical solutions, and effective relationship management. These efforts help strengthen our value proposition and encourage long-term use of HeadStart products within targeted poultry accounts.
This role requires travel within the United States to support the installation, servicing, and technical operation of HeadStart Dispensing Units (HDSU), as well as the application of HDST products and related components for both new and existing customers.
Key Responsibilities:
Core Poultry Health & Nutrition Support
- Serve as a key technical resource for poultry sales teams, fostering strong relationships and contributing to strategic business development.
- Help to coordinate and design customer trials involving HeadStart applications.
- Apply scientific knowledge to quickly troubleshoot and resolve poultry health, nutrition, and management issues.
- Translate complex health and nutritional findings into actionable, cost-effective solutions tailored to customer goals.
- Monitor industry trends and maintain current knowledge in poultry health and nutrition to ensure high-quality customer service.
Internal Product Support
- Provide technical expertise and troubleshooting support for United’s portfolio of poultry health and nutrition products.
- Partner with sales and marketing teams to support product launches, delivering technical training and resources for internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop and deliver technical content, research summaries, and innovation updates.
- Mentor and support colleagues by sharing best practices and coaching on technical service delivery.
Research
- Collaborate with internal researchers and external partners on field trial design, protocol development, data analysis, and reporting.
- Assist with conducting field research and technical service projects focused on poultry health, production efficiency, and nutrition-health interactions.
- Contribute to the evaluation of protocols, trial data, and final reports to support innovation and product development.
- Present research findings at industry meetings and convert outcomes into clear, practical recommendations for internal and external use.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Manage multiple projects with varying timelines and priorities.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within technical service and research.
- Attend industry and company events as needed.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Typical Work Environment:
- Work will be conducted from a home office, farm, and field trial settings.
- Travel required approximately 50% of the time to support customer visits, fieldwork, and industry events.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education & Training:
- DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) with an interest in poultry health and production preferred; candidates with a PhD or MS in Poultry Science, Animal Science, or a related field will also be considered.
Relevant Experience:
- 2–4 years of experience in poultry health, production, or technical services (including internships, rotations, or industry externships).
- Demonstrated success applying veterinary or nutritional knowledge to poultry production.
Technical Skills:
- Foundational knowledge of poultry health, disease management, and nutrition.
- Understanding of flock management, biosecurity, and production systems.
- Experience with feed milling, batching systems process controls.
- Basic understanding of electrical and plumbing.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools for data analysis, presentations, and reporting.
- Ability to interpret research and production data to generate actionable insights.
Non-Technical Skills:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to collaborate across functional teams and build relationships with customers.
- Effective project management and organizational skills.
- Adaptability and a growth mindset in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Proven ability to work independently while also contributing to team success.
Licenses / Certifications
- Valid driver’s license and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) required.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in both office and farm environments, including walking barns and assisting in field trials.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
Safety Requirements
- Adherence to all farm, hatchery, and laboratory safety and biosecurity protocols.
Competitive Compensation:
At United Animal Health, we value our employees as our greatest asset and offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to support your well-being and career growth.
- Salary Range: $122,200 – $183,300 (based on experience)
- Bonus: Performance-based
- Fleet Program: Participation for eligible employees
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
Health & Wellness:
- Medical Insurance: PPO or HDHP with company HSA contributions
- Prescription Drug Coverage
- Dental Insurance: Basic or Deluxe with orthodontic benefits
- Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Dependent Care Account
- Short & Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance: Company-paid with additional options
- Wellness Program: Subsidies for fitness and wellness
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Work-Life Balance:
- Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays
- Parental Leave: Paid for birth and adoptive parents
- Leaves of Absence
Financial Well-Being:
- 401(k) Plan with Company Match
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Referral Bonus Program
- Professional Development Support