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Scientist - Poultry - Elk River

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Job ID 327227 Date posted 05/14/2026 Location : Elk River, Minnesota Category  RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Job Status  Salaried Full Time

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with life’s essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.

This position is in our specialized portfolio enterprise where we serve diverse businesses who support unique customers or markets, including animal nutrition and health, bioindustrial, road safety salt and Cargill joint ventures. 

Job Purpose and Impact

The Scientist - Poultry 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 innovative projects, contributing ideas, improving process and capabilities, and running research in poultry 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

  • Understand customer unmet needs and develop and manage research plans for the functional area (Poultry Nutrition and Health) and targets aligned with the business objectives.
  • Lead scouting process on new ideas, capabilities and technologies.
  • Design and conduct experiments in a high safety focused environment in our research facilities and in customers or partners (Universities) facilities.
  • Establish external research collaborations with universities and partners.
  • 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.
  • Project management for innovation projects.
  • Lead the development and implementation of new R&D capabilities
  • Cross species knowledge leveraging and sharing.
  • Work with the 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.

#LI-FA1 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in animal nutrition or related field
  • Minimum of four years of related work experience
  • Knowledge and application of animal physiology in basic animal nutrition and health
  • Confirmed working knowledge of scientific research principles, concepts, practices and standards
  • Experience in the poultry industry nutrition and health

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD in animal nutrition, animal health focuses on poultry
  • Hands-on experience applied research
  • Project management experience
  • Innovative, agile thinking and adaptability with strong attention to details
  • Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors and managers

Applicant Information

The expected salary for this position is $80,000 – 120,000. 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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