Technology Research Manager

Company Overview

At Ralco, we specialize in natural and effective products for farmers and ranchers. Our patented approaches in essential oils, energy maximizing diets and microbial processes are designed to improve the health and productivity of animals and plants alike, covering areas such as health, nutrition and crop management

Our Mission:

Steward our God-given gifts to perfect technologies that enhance the vitality of plants and animals for a safe and abundant food supply.

Our Values:

We do what is right

We serve others and help them succeed

We believe in hard work and a commitment to family

We treat others with dignity and respect

JOB SUMMARY:

We are looking for an individual to join our technology research and development group as a Technology Research Manager. As the Technology Research Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving technological innovation that will contribute to strategic decision-making processes to enhance our products and services. You will be responsible for the exploration, feasibility, understanding and implementation of new technologies at Ralco to strengthen our position as a provider of effective natural solutions in agriculture. Additionally, you will contribute to the further development and expanding the depth of knowledge relating to Ralco’s existing technologies in support of market and industry opportunities.

You will work to broaden our understanding of components, their mode of action, and how they can be leveraged into our product portfolio. You will also help identify opportunities to capitalize on synergistic benefits between our current core technologies and complementary products. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in support of the delivery of solutions that leverage these technologies to meet the customers’ needs, while maximizing the profit potential of both current and new technologies. You will work alongside our swine, ruminant, poultry and agronomy technical leads to generate new ideas and solutions for our customers.

You must have a passion for research, innovation, and lifelong learning. You must be detail oriented, self-motivated, and possess strong communication skills. You will need to leverage relationships in the industry and demonstrate an ability to represent Ralco as a leader in the development of innovative solutions to our organization, our customers and to industry peers and partners.

This job description is not meant to be all inclusive and duties may vary based on departmental and company needs.

KEY WORK DUTIES AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Identify, evaluate, and conduct thorough research on cutting-edge technologies relevant to our industry
• Assist sales and marketing leaders with the integration of your research findings into product development roadmaps
• Document and educate the organization on the mode of action of these new technologies, their benefits, and how best to use them in practical applications as stand-alone or in combination with each other or with our current technologies
• Identify third party technologies and product offerings that strategically align with Ralco’s vision and assist in incorporating them into our portfolio
• Support patent drafting, filing, and prosecution processes in collaboration with legal and IP teams
• Monitor intellectual property landscapes, identify patent and trade secret opportunities, and contribute to the development of intellectual property strategies
• Provide formula customization, troubleshooting and problem solving assistance as needed with sales and support personnel
• Provide support to purchasing and manufacturing teams in evaluating ingredients and processes to ensure that quality standards are met and maintained
• Maintain the laboratory electronic product quality testing database
• Maintain thorough and organized company records of research findings and testing/trial results
• Foster teamwork and a culture of innovation, and demonstrate excellent communication skills with all colleagues up and down the organizational chart.
• Represent the company at key industry forums and conferences making scientific presentations as needed to the agriculture communities in support of the commercialization efforts and advancement of our products and core technologies
• Publish research findings in reputable journals and participate in industry conferences and forums to establish thought leadership
• Possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex technical data and draw meaningful insights
• Be proficient in Microsoft programs, able to work independently with limited supervision, proactive in time management and goal oriented
• In collaboration with your supervisor, you will develop a unique professional development plan to ensure that you are pursuing and fulfilling your professional and personal goals in a diligent and thoughtful manner
  
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Masters Degree or PhD in animal science, chemistry or biochemistry with preferred

emphasis in immunology, GI, genetics or related fields.

Experience: Experience in research & development and product development.

Competencies: Analytical, science-based, agricultural interests. Fluent in Microsoft Office Suite, familiarity with SAS software helpful but not required. Written and oral communication skills.

Physical: Must be able to climb stairs, lift 40-pound packages, and drive. The laboratory job frequently requires standing at a bench operating lab equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key work duties.

Location: Ralco Research Lab in Balaton, MN

Travel: Intermittent domestic and international travel will be required.

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