Research Operations Manager II

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Wellness & Recreation Membership

Job summary

A prominent educational institution is seeking a Research Operations Manager II to oversee poultry research facilities and support key faculty research and extension programs. The successful candidate will ensure that facilities run efficiently and safely, manage operations, and coordinate compliance with research standards. They will also establish strong relationships within the academic community and facilitate collaborations. This role requires an agricultural background and a proactive approach to managing multiple tasks effectively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (4-year) degree and two years of general research experience, or Associate’s degree and three years of relevant research experience.
• Experience in an agricultural setting, preferably involving chickens or other farm animals.
• Proven ability with managing a research operation that involves organization of multiple projects and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee poultry research facilities to support faculty research.
• Ensure facilities run smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
• Host site visits, support collaborative initiatives, and communicate updates on research.

Skills

Experience in an agricultural setting

Proven ability with managing a research operation

Ability to juggle multiple priorities

Knowledge of poultry or livestock handling best practices

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Associate’s degree

Job description

Research Operations Manager II

The Prestage Department of Poultry Science is located at NC State University. It supports the North Carolina poultry industry and community through extension, research, and teaching activities. The department partners 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. Research and extension projects cover physiology, biotechnology, microbiology, immunology, nutrition, toxicology, animal welfare, and management with the goal of improving the production and quality of poultry as a food product.

Our 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 detailed daily data collection. The CEU also serves as a training ground for a large number of undergraduate and graduate students. The facility is mechanically complex, requiring daily maintenance of fans, motors, ventilation systems, floor systems, feeders, drinkers, plumbing, and safety attention.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 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.

Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on part‑time or full‑time employment status. Eligibility and employer‑sponsored plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Job Overview

We are looking for a Research Operations Manager II to oversee our poultry research facilities, supporting faculty research, teaching, and extension programs. In this role, you’ll 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. You’ll build strong relationships with faculty, students, and external partners, host site visits, support collaborative initiatives, and communicate updates on research and farm operations.

Key Areas of Responsibility

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.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s (4‑year) degree and two years of general research experience, or Associate’s degree and three 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 Licenses or Certifications

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required.

Commercial Driver's License not required.

Equal Opportunity 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.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or [e-mail].

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.