Research Operations Manager II

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Job summary

NC State University in Raleigh, NC, seeks a Research Operations Manager II to oversee poultry research facilities and support faculty, teaching, and extension programs.

You will ensure operations run safely and efficiently, manage a team, coordinate trials and budgets, and uphold biosecurity and safety standards across all units.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of general research experience, or Associate’s degree with 3 years of relevant research experience.
• Experience in agricultural setting, preferably poultry or farm animals.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee poultry research facilities including broiler breeder houses, hatchery, and processing units; lead a team.
• Coordinate inventories, vendor services, and operational logistics.
• Manage budgets, reconcile accounts, and approve purchases; ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness.
• Prepare reports and coordinate with finance staff and vendors.
• Enforce biosecurity, animal welfare, and safety standards; conduct inspections.

Skills

Staff management

Leadership

Budget management

Safety and biosecurity

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Associate’s degree

Job description

Posting Number: PG194299EP

Working Title: Research Operations Manager II

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,600

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: Prestage Poultry Science

About the Department: The main purpose of the Prestage Department of Poultry Science is to support the North Carolina poultry industry and community through extension, research, and teaching activities. Poultry is the largest income‑producing commodity in the state and the Prestage Department of Poultry Science works together with producers, commodity organizations, allied industries, and other state agencies to educate students and the public, and to disseminate information gleaned from research and extension activities at the university level. The Department conducts research and extension projects related to physiology, biotechnology, microbiology, immunology, nutrition, toxicology, animal well‑being, and management with the ultimate goal of improving the production and wholesomeness of poultry as a food product. The Chicken Education Unit (CEU) conducts intensive research involving genomics, physiology, nutrition, animal feed quality, human food quality, welfare, and environmental aspects of chickens. The research is both applied and basic in nature with a great deal of detail in data collection required on a daily basis. The CEU also serves as a training ground for a large number of undergraduate and graduate students on a daily basis. The facility is complex mechanically, requiring daily maintenance of fans, motors, ventilation systems, floor systems, feeders, drinkers, plumbing, etc., and attention to safety.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain work‑life balance with our childcare benefits, wellness & recreation membership, and wellness programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Essential Job Duties

The Prestage Department of Poultry Science is looking for a Research Operations Manager II to oversee our poultry research facilities, supporting faculty research, teaching, and extension programs. In this role, you will ensure our facilities run smoothly, safely, and efficiently—from broiler breeder houses and layer operations to our hatchery and processing units—while leading a dedicated team and helping our research programs succeed. You will also provide logistical and operational support for research trials, including coordinating overlapping projects, managing grant‑related compliance, monitoring flock health and welfare, and documenting outcomes. Your work will ensure research projects run smoothly, ethically, and efficiently while maintaining confidentiality and high standards of biosecurity and safety.

Manage Facilities, Operations, and People

• Lead and supervise full‑ and part‑time staff, including scheduling, training, and performance management.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and safety‑focused team culture.
• Maintain poultry houses, hatchery, and processing units, overseeing environmental systems, preventive maintenance, and repairs.
• Coordinate inventories, vendor services, and operational logistics to keep facilities running efficiently.

Oversee Finances and Administration

• Manage budgets, reconcile accounts, and approve purchases.
• Ensure compliance and cost‑effective operations.
• Prepare reports and coordinate with finance staff and vendors.

Ensure Safety and Compliance

• Enforce biosecurity, animal welfare, and safety standards.
• Conduct inspections, maintain records, and investigate incidents.
• Promote a culture of safety and compliance throughout the team.

Support Research and Build Relationships

• Coordinate facility use for research trials and projects.
• Assist with animal handling, sample collection, and accurate record‑keeping.
• Serve as primary contact for faculty, students, staff, and external partners.
• Host site visits and represent the program professionally.
• Maintain detailed records, support collaborative initiatives, and ensure research compliance.

Oversee Product Handling and Sales

• Manage egg, chick, and poultry product collection, processing, and sales.
• Maintain inventory, labeling, and financial documentation.
• Ensure humane handling and biosecurity in all operations.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s (4-year) degree and two years of general research experience, or Associate’s degree and 3 years of relevant research experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Other Required Qualifications

• Experience in an agricultural setting, preferably involving chickens or other farm animals.
• Familiarity with compliance, safety, and environmental standards for agricultural and animal research.
• Proven ability with managing a research operation that involves organization of multiple projects and budgeting.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and keep operations running smoothly.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years of agricultural research experience is a plus.
• Proven supervisory and team leadership experience.
• Knowledge of poultry or livestock handling best practices.

Required License(s) or Certification(s): None

Valid NC Driver's License required: No

EEO Statement

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.