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Research Scientist - Ruminants - Elk River

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Job ID 316391 Date posted 10/20/2025 Location : Elk River, Minnesota Category  RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Job Status  Salaried Full Time

Cargill’s size and scale allows us to make a positive impact in the world. Our purpose is to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.
Cargill is a family company providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions and industrial products that are vital for living. We connect farmers with markets so they can prosper. We connect customers with ingredients so they can make meals people love. And we connect families with daily essentials — from eggs to edible oils, salt to skincare, feed to alternative fuel. Our 160,000 colleagues, operating in 70 countries, make essential products that touch billions of lives each day. Join us and reach your higher purpose at Cargill. 
This position is in Cargill’s animal nutrition and health business, where we improve animal lives through better nutrition. Our team researches, innovates and creates solutions that deliver healthy results for our customers.

Job Purpose and Impact

The Research Scientist - Ruminants will be a key member of a global R&D team that develops new products and services, and improved processes aligned with business objectives. In this role, you will support the global team by leading innovation projects, contributing ideas, and running research in ruminants (dairy) nutrition that will result in new offerings for our global markers.

This position requires the candidate to be based in Elk River, MN or the surrounding area.

Key Accountabilities

  • Develop and manage research plans for the functional area (Ruminant Nutrition and Health, focused on dairy) and targets aligned with the business objectives.
  • Design and conduct experiments in a high safety focused environment in our research facilities and in customers or partners (Universities) facilities.
  • Project management for innovation projects
  • Lead the development and implementation of new R&D capabilities
  • Present research findings to internal and external audiences.
  • Independently handle complex issues with minimal supervision, while escalating only the most complex issues to appropriate staff.
  • Work with innovation teams in the local markets to align, exchange experience and execute research projects in collaboration
  • Independently handle complex issues with minimal supervision, while escalating only the most complex issues to appropriate staff.
  • Other duties as assigned.

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Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in animal nutrition or related field or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of four years of related work experience
  • Confirmed working knowledge of scientific research principles, concepts, practices and standards
  • Knowledge and application of microbial physiology in basic animal nutrition, physiology and health
  • Experience in the dairy industry, milk production, ruminant nutrition or animal nutrition and health
  • Able and willing to travel up to 25%

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD in animal nutrition, animal health or related field
  • Project management experience
  • Technical knowledge of the biochemistry of the feed ingredients used in feeds for animals’ nutrition and health
  • Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors and managers

Applicant Information

The expected salary for this position is $100,000 – 130,000. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, certifications, education, and level of experience. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. This position is eligible for a discretionary incentive award. The incentive award amount is dependent upon company performance and your personal performance.

At Cargill we put people first. As part of your overall rewards, we offer a comprehensive benefit program including medical and/or other benefits dependent on the position offered and hours worked. Visit: https://www.cargill.com/page/my-health/mh-health-and-wellness to learn more (subject to certain collective bargaining agreements for Union positions).

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.

Minnesota Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 48 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law.

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