Scientist III
Targan
Operations
Raleigh, NC, USA
Posted on May 8, 2026
TARGAN is seeking a highly accomplished Scientist III is a key individual contributor within TARGAN’s Animal Health & Bio-Process organization and is responsible for independently planning, designing, executing, analyzing, analyzing, and optimizing complex in vitro and in vivo studies that support poultry-focused product development, validation, and commercialization efforts.
This role requires advanced scientific expertise, strong experimental design capability, and sound judgment in applying biological, poultry science, and animal health knowledge to research initiatives. The successful candidate will generate high-quality scientific data, translate findings into actionable recommendations, and contribute meaningfully within cross-functional project teams.
The ideal candidate is highly hands-on, detail-oriented, and experienced in laboratory and poultry study environments, with the ability to balance scientific rigor, execution speed, and collaborative problem solving.
Key Job Responsibilities
Research Design & Study Execution
- Independently develop and refine study plans, protocols, SOPs, work instructions, and related research documentation.
- Design, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize complex in vitro and in vivo experiments to support poultry product development, biological validation, and commercialization objectives.
- Perform significant hands-on laboratory work, including biological sample preparation, assay execution, data collection, and study support activities.
- Support live bird studies, hatchery trials, poultry health evaluations, and related validation work as required.
- Ensure studies are conducted with strong scientific rigor, accurate documentation, and adherence to internal standards.
Scientific Analysis & Interpretation
- Collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize scientific data from laboratory, hatchery, and poultry studies.
- Apply appropriate statistical methods and data review practices to identify trends, limitations, and meaningful conclusions.
- Translate study results into clear recommendations that support product decisions, technical improvements, and project milestones.
- Present findings to technical and cross-functional stakeholders in written and verbal formats.
Technical Expertise
- Apply advanced knowledge in areas such as poultry biology, poultry physiology, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, parasitology, biological delivery systems, hatchery operations, and animal health.
- Support troubleshooting of assays, protocols, product subsystems, and study workflows.
- Contribute technical insight to development programs involving poultry vaccines, hatchery technologies, biological products, and animal health innovations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Partner with R&D, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to align studies with broader business and commercialization goals.
- Support external collaborations with poultry producers, universities, laboratories, and contract research partners as needed.
- Participate in project meetings and provide timely updates on study progress, risks, and recommendations.
- Identify opportunities to improve laboratory practices, study execution, documentation processes, and research workflows.
- Support onboarding, training, and knowledge sharing within the scientific organization.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Key Competencies & Skills
- Strong scientific judgment with the ability to independently prioritize, troubleshoot, and make sound technical recommendations.
- Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced poultry R&D environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Collaborative mindset with ability to work effectively across technical disciplines.
- High degree of ownership, accountability, and professionalism.
- Advanced ability to design, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize experimental studies.
- Strong hands-on microbiology skills including pipetting, serial dilutions, aseptic technique, sample handling, and microscopy.
- Proficiency with molecular biology and immunology techniques including:
- Nucleic acid isolation and QC
- PCR / qPCR
- Gel electrophoresis
- Antibody-based assays
- Biochemical testing methods
- Experience analyzing poultry, biological, or animal study data and applying statistical methods.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Education and Experience Requirements
- Ph.D. in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Parasitology, or related Life Sciences discipline with relevant industry or applied research experience preferred.
- Master’s degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, or related Life Sciences field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience, or
- Bachelor’s degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, or related Life Sciences field with 7+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Demonstrated experience independently designing and executing complex in vitro and/or in vivo studies required.
- Experience with poultry, hatcheries, broilers, breeders, layers, food animals, biological samples, infectious agents, vaccines, or animal health products strongly preferred.
- Experience generating study plans, technical reports, SOPs, presentations, and data summaries required.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed inside a flex space building consisting of offices, open desk space, laboratory, and a manufacturing floor or in the field at hatcheries and farms. Level of noise is usually quiet in the office environment and temperature controlled. Noise levels are elevated in the warehouse space where temperatures can vary depending on the outside elements and weather. Travel will be required, including trips to visit suppliers, attend conferences, meetings (customer, investor, and business) and customer sites (hatcheries, farms, processing plants and other animal related facilities).