Research Technician

Smithfield Foods•Milan, MO

About The Position

This position of Pork Quality Research Technician will be responsible for executing projects to assess and improve carcass composition and value and meat quality. This will be done by coordinating tests and collecting detailed information for genetic improvement of the commerical test herd (CTH) and research animals from Smithfield Premium Genetics and Smithfield Live Animal Production. This will also include laboratory tests and data collection for the evaluation of fat quality of animals supplied accross all harvest locations of Smithfield Foods as well as research projects that identify characteristics of color, marbling, firmness, tenderness, purge nad cooking loss of product produced by Smithfield Foods and all major competirors. The incumbent will share responsibilities of coordinating all research projects as part of the Pork Quality Team with relation to plant personnel and management, suppliers of research animals, research teams assisting with evaluations, plant procurement, and Pork Quality Team members. The incument will also share data management and reporting responsibilities.

Requirements

Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
Must be proficient with a computer and have working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and OneDrive.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Must have strong organizational and communication skills in order to manage multiple projects at one time.
Candidate must be a stickler for details, have the ability to remain flexible and must be a team player.
Must have excellent work ethic and be willing to work in a variety of plant environments.
Occasional travel as required.
Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Nice To Haves

Meat or livestock judging team experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Collecting carcass and meat quality data. Data collection will include, but not be limited to: (1) kill floor data, including individual identification, hot carcass weight and carcass composition predictors, and (2) cut floor data, including boneless loin weight and meat quality and belly weight and (3) meat quality characteristics such as color, firmness, marbling, weight, and other quality factors.
Collection fat samples and processing fat samples collected at all harvest locations for the purpose of evaluating the quality of fat for specific vendors and research animals.
Perform evaluations of research product for the purpose of evaluating purge, retail loss, color, firmness, marbling, objective color, intra-muscular fat, firmness, cooking loss, and tenderness.
Coordinating data collection with appropriate plant and farm personnel by scheduling groups of pigs from the farms to the plant and following them through to collect information.
Assist as needed on daily tasks including but not limited to evaluation of the quality characteristics of carcasses and product from suppliers of animals.
Data entry and checking data for accuracy using Microsoft Excel.
Data sharing and checking data for accuracy using OneDrive.
Submitting completed data through electronic reports and writing any summary notes.
Ensure facilities and equipment are maintained including but not limited to the Pork Quality Research Lab and offices.
Attend the Monthly Pork Quality Team call. Review items from the plant’s perspective, address any action items assigned, and provide reporting as directed by supervision.
Attend company/industry events and training sessions to further education, growth, relationships, and provide voice for company on Pork Quality topics.
Maintain continual education growth to allow for increasing responsibility if it arises.
May perform other duties as assigned.