Dairy Health Research Coordinator

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Vancouver seeks a Dairy Health Research Coordinator to support research involving dairy cattle. The role includes overseeing animal health management, data collection, and training staff. Candidates should have a degree in Animal Science and experience in research or teaching environments. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are essential. This position includes potential for extension beyond the initial term.

Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant technical program or university degree and three years of related experience.
• Must prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines.
• Valid BC Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Oversees dairy herd health and reproductive management.
• Collects routine animal health data.
• Manages and maintains research technologies and equipment.
• Develops Standard Operating Procedures for data collection.
• Trains students and new staff in health measurements and procedures.

Skills

Animal handling

Data collection

Communication

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science or related discipline

Tools

MS Office

Animal health data collection software

Job description

Job Summary

The role of this position is to support the Animal Health, Welfare and Research Manager with the organization and execution of research trials with dairy cattle, ensuring the collection of reliable data for both longitudinal use, and also for specific research studies. Plays a key role in training of new staff and students e.g., cattle handling, dairy procedures, health data collection and equipment use, and in ensuring a safe work environment. Given that the cows on the dairy farm also produce sellable milk on a daily basis, the incumbent supports general farm duties from time to time.

Organizational Status

This position reports to the Animal Health, Welfare and Research Manager. Works with graduate and undergraduate students engaged in research, student workers, co-op students, visiting researchers, principal investigators and farm staff.

Work Performed

• Oversees aspects of dairy herd health and reproductive management (e.g., reproductive health checks) and collects associated data for research and management purposes. Streamlines procedures in this area, including data collection and workflow, and coordinates necessary work with other staff and researchers.
• Collects routine animal health data (e.g., animal weights and heights, reproductive data, body condition score (BCS), lameness, subclinical ketosis, milk fever, and other cow health data) to support the creation of an animal data base that allows for ongoing and retrospective use of data collected at the DERC (e.g., feed intakes, automated milking system (AMS) data).
• Manages and maintains technologies, equipment and associated software used at the DERC, including the computerized feed intake systems, the AMS, automatic calf feeders, ultrasound machine, and weigh scales as well as equipment used for data collection, ensuring equipment is calibrated appropriately, troubleshooting technical problems and maintaining an inventory of technologies.
• Develops and organizes Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding procedures pertaining to animal health and reproduction as well as use of any equipment used to collect data for research studies related to animal health and reproduction. The compilation of these SOPs will require specialized knowledge such as animal anatomy and physiology, pharmaceuticals (drug activity and withdrawals), health and disease conditions, genetic programs, etc.
• Trains students and new staff hires in how to perform various cow and calf health measurements (e.g., blood sample collection) and how to handle and move animals in a safe and humane manner (e.g., student and researcher onboarding).
• Provides feedback to direct supervisor of new staff and students on training progress and performance. May make recommendations with respect to hiring, and promotion of current staff.
• Coordinates with students and principal investigators to ensure that all equipment and used facility spaces are clean and in good working condition after use in projects.
• Coordinates with students and researchers conducting research studies at DERC to ensure there is sufficient support from staff during their project such as organizing lab-owned research equipment and materials (e.g. storage space, disposal of sharps containers, set up / removal of cameras / video recording equipment, etc.).
• Ensures a safe work environment for students, researchers and staff by acting as a key member of the local LST and developing safety procedures around animals and equipment.
• Monitors inventory of supplies and initiates re-orders when necessary.
• Performs other duties as required. During times when research demands wane, this position will support the general duties of the farm in consultation with the Animal Health, Welfare and Research Manager and Business Operations Manager.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors will result in inefficiencies of the research process at the DERC and flawed research data. Poor judgement can negatively impact the research projects, student experience and revenue generation from decreased milk production. Inefficiencies will reflect poorly on the reputation of the Centre, Faculty and the University.

Supervision Received

Works independently with minimal supervision. Reports to the Animal Health, Welfare and Research Manager for general issues and to coordinate training procedures. Receives specific instructions only on unusual problems or on matters which depart significantly from established policy or procedure.

Supervision Given

Takes responsibility for working with Farm Technicians and Senior Dairy Herdsperson staff to collect accurate animal health data and maintain equipment that is used for research and operations. The Dairy Health Research Coordinator will also provide training to students, visiting scientists, and Farm Technicians.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant discipline such as Animal Science or Veterinary medicine
• A thorough knowledge of related procedures and practices and their applications
• Demonstrated experience working in research and/or teaching environments with knowledge of large animal handling practices and animal data collection procedures
• Demonstrated experience working with dairy milking and feeding equipment
• Computer experience at an intermediate level (MS Office, Workday) using spreadsheets, word processing, and email
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Must be able to prioritize, multitask and meet deadlines
• Must have strong problem-solving capabilities
• Valid BC Driver’s License

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date November 30, 2026

Please include cover letter with resume. This is a one year term position with the possibility of an extension.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.