Overview
The Research Administrator provides administrative, organizational, and operational support for research projects conducted at Oxford Cattle Company while also supporting the coordination and day-to-day administrative needs of the nursery operation. The position serves as an important link between the research team, nursery team, management, and external partners, helping coordinate staffing, supplies, inventory, feed ordering, research activities, and operational priorities. Working closely with the Research Manager, Research Assistants, nursery team, and external research partners, the Research Administrator will coordinate research activities, maintain accurate records, organize research materials and samples, support nursery operations, and contribute to the efficient operation of multiple research projects occurring simultaneously. The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, dependable, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-paced agricultural research environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Research Project Coordination
● Maintain a master schedule of active, upcoming, and completed research projects.
● Coordinate research project timelines, including animal arrival, treatment periods,
sampling days, measurements, and project completion.
● Prepare project files and documentation prior to trial initiation.
● Track project milestones and identify upcoming deadlines or potential scheduling
conflicts.
● Coordinate research activities with routine nursery operations.
● Ensure research requirements are communicated clearly to appropriate members of the
barn and research teams.
● Assist the Research Manager with planning and coordinating multiple concurrent
research projects.
2. Research Documentation & Record Keeping
● Maintain organized electronic and paper research records.
● Maintain current versions of research protocols, SOPs, datasheets, and trial instructions.
● Maintain records of protocol deviations, amendments, and project changes.
● Assist with preparation of research reports, project summaries, and other
documentation.
3. Research Assistant Coordination
● Assist with scheduling Research Assistants according to project requirements.
● Coordinate daily and weekly research tasks.
● Assist with onboarding and training coordination for new Research Assistants.
● Track completion of assigned research activities and communicate outstanding tasks to
the Research Manager.
● Communicate schedule changes and upcoming research activities to the research team.
4. Data & Sample Management
● Organize and maintain research datasets, spreadsheets, and databases.
● Ensure research data are entered accurately and in a timely manner.
● Perform basic checks for missing or incomplete information and flag discrepancies to the
Research Manager.
● Maintain animal identification and study assignment records.
● Maintain research sample inventories and storage records.
● Coordinate sample labeling, storage, shipment, and tracking.
● Maintain freezer and sample inventories.
● Assist with preparation and organization of datasets.
5. Research Supplies, Equipment & Inventory
● Maintain inventories of research supplies, consumables, and equipment.
● Monitor inventory levels and identify upcoming supply needs.
● Assist with ordering research supplies as directed.
● Coordinate receipt, organization, and distribution of research materials.
● Track equipment and materials supplied by external research partners.
● Maintain equipment maintenance, calibration, and service records where applicable.
● Ensure project-specific materials are available prior to trial initiation.
6. Client & Research Partner Support
● Provide administrative support for communication with research sponsors and external
research partners.
● Track outstanding information, materials, and documentation required from research
partners.
● Coordinate receipt and shipment of research materials and samples.
● Maintain project-specific communication and documentation records.
● Support the Research Manager in ensuring research partners receive timely project
updates and information.
● Plan, coordinate, and execute customer events, including open houses and facility tours.
7. Financial & Project Administration
● Assist with the administrative coordination of research and service agreements.
● Maintain records of project-specific expenses and billable research activities.
● Track calves, samples, supplies, labour, and other project-related costs as required.
● Assist with preparation and organization of research project invoices.
● Track outstanding project documentation required for billing.
● Assist with project cost summaries and financial reporting.
● Coordinate with accounting as required regarding research project billing and expenses.
8. Research Project Close-Out
● Confirm completion of required research activities at the end of each project.
● Ensure all data and research records have been collected and organized.
● Confirm that samples have been processed, shipped, or appropriately stored.
● Coordinate return of research equipment and materials to project sponsors where
applicable.
● Assist with final project documentation and reporting.
● Ensure project files are complete and properly archived.
● Assist with tracking final project costs and invoicing.
9. Nursery Operations
● Assist with scheduling and coordinating the Nursery Team to ensure appropriate staffing
coverage and completion of daily nursery responsibilities.
● Maintain and update nursery staff schedules in coordination with the Nursery Manager.
● Assist with ordering and maintaining inventory of supplies required for routine nursery
operations.
● Monitor nursery inventory levels and identify upcoming supply needs.
● Assist with ordering feedstuffs and other nursery inputs in collaboration with the Nursery
Manager.
● Coordinate receipt and organization of nursery supplies and feedstuffs.
● Communicate anticipated shortages, supply issues, or scheduling concerns to the
appropriate manager.
10. Research Assistant & Nursery Support
● Provide hands-on support to the Research Assistants with research activities when
administrative responsibilities permit.
● Assist with data collection, sampling, animal measurements, and other research
activities as directed by the Research Manager.
● Provide additional support to the nursery team during periods of high workload, as
required.
● Maintain familiarity with research protocols and nursery procedures to effectively
coordinate staffing, scheduling, and resources.
● Other duties as assigned.
Animal Welfare & Research Standards
● Support the Research Manager and nursery team in maintaining high standards of
animal welfare throughout research projects.
● Ensure research activities are conducted according to approved protocols and
established SOPs.
● Immediately communicate concerns regarding animal welfare, protocol deviations, or
research-related issues to the appropriate supervisor.
● Maintain confidentiality of research protocols, data, contracts, pricing, client information,
and other proprietary company information.
● Follow all Oxford Cattle Company policies and applicable workplace, animal care, and
research requirements.
Qualifications & Skills
Required
● Previous experience working in an agricultural, livestock, research, or related
environment.
● Strong organizational and administrative skills.
● Excellent attention to detail.
● Strong written and verbal communication skills.
● Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities.
● Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
● Ability to maintain accurate and organized records.
● Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
● Strong problem-solving and follow-up skills.
● Willingness to work in an agricultural research environment, including regular exposure
to livestock and farm conditions.
● Ability and willingness to travel to other Oxford Cattle Company locations, generally
within 30 minutes of the main site.
● Valid driver's licence and reliable transportation.
Preferred
● Post-secondary education in animal science, agriculture, research administration, or a
related field. Equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
● Experience working with research data, sample management, or project coordination.
● Experience with animal research or livestock handling.
● Familiarity with research protocols, SOPs, and regulatory documentation.
● Experience with database or research management software.
● Experience with Sage or other accounting/financial management software.
Working Environment
This position is based primarily at the Oxford Cattle Company research facility and will involve a
combination of office, research barn, and agricultural work environments. The position will
require regular interaction with calves, research equipment, research materials, and barn
personnel.
The Research Administrator may occasionally be required to work outside regular business
hours to support research activities, including scheduled sampling, trial start-up, or other
time-sensitive research activities.
Compensation
$25.00–$32.00 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume outlining their relevant experience to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: Research Administrator – Application
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Only candidates selected for an interview will
be contacted.
Pay: $25.00-$32.00 per hour
Expected hours: 50.0 per week
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
