Four Rivers Kennel is a research facility that performs third-party testing for products in the pet food and nutritional supplement industry, and along with our own innovative research, aims to enhance understanding of canine health, nutrition, and aging. The Research Scientist – Canine Nutrition position leads and executes scientific studies in support of new product development for the pet industry. This role is responsible for designing and conducting research projects, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific publications and presentations. The position also involves collaborating with external research partners, overseeing laboratory operations, and mentoring junior researchers. The ideal candidate would have research experience in any of the following areas: cognition, exercise physiology, muscle and joint health, transcriptomics and microbiome, immunology, and/or nutrient requirements.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Research Project Management

• Design, conduct, and manage research studies for clientele

• Communicate with clients to determine research needs and budget
• Prepare quotes and invoices
• Design and technical oversight of research studies (3-6 per year)
• Data collection, creation and management of data workbooks for each study, and statistical analysis of the results
• Present findings to clients in written reports
• When appropriate, present research findings through conference presentations (oral or poster) and publish scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals
• In-house research and development
• Identify potential funding opportunities and manage funded projects.
• Write and submit grant and study proposals, ensuring alignment with company and industry objectives. (1 – 3 grant proposals per year on average)
• Design and oversee research studies that further Four River’s scientific capabilities and understanding of canine health and nutrition
• Present research findings through conference presentations (oral or poster) and publish scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals
• Develop and validate new laboratory methods using GC/IRMS, GC/MS, GC/FID, HPLC, ELISA, flow cytometry, and/or indirect calorimetry.

Laboratory & Team Management

• Represent the company at national conferences, engaging with vendors, clients, and research collaborators.

• Train and mentor technicians, visiting scientists, and student researchers.

• Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new methodologies, including preventative maintenance and troubleshooting protocols.
• Recruit, interview, and onboard new employees.
• Ensure research projects and grants meet deadlines and quality standards.

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Animal Science, Nutrition, Biochemistry, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 2–5 years of experience in scientific research, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
• Previous experience in grant writing, manuscript preparation, and conference presentations.
• Experience conducting canine nutrition, metabolic, and cognitive studies preferred.
• Experience in laboratory techniques, including gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, flow cytometry, and ELISA assays.

About Four Rivers Kennel

Four Rivers Kennel is an independent facility for canine nutrition research. Our aim is to provide the allied pet food industry with sound nutrition research and accurate results using one of the most popular dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever. We have an expansive facility on 180 acres in rural Missouri, where we provide our dogs top quality care, exercise, and daily outdoor time. Onsite laboratory facilities house numerous technical capabilities including calorimetry, gas and liquid chromatography, isotope ratio mass spectrometry, cell culture, and flow cytometry to utilize in expanding our understanding of canine nutrition, health, and aging.

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