Role Description

Zoetis Veterinary Medicine Research and Development (VMRD), Companion Animal / Equine Biologicals (CAE) group in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking a highly motivated professional to significantly contribute to the discovery and development of vaccines for canines, felines, and equines. The laboratory-based Scientist / Senior Scientist position will have advanced knowledge of virology, microbiology, bacteriology, or a related field and serve on multidisciplinary teams in the discovery and development phase of vaccine development.

The ideal candidate will have experience in the areas of virology, cell culture, and /or molecular biology and have experience in conducting hypothesis-based research in both in vitro and in vivo models. Experience in cell line development, assay development, and vaccine development is also desirable. Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills are essential.

Position Responsibilities

• Responsible for hands on laboratory work in the areas of virology, cell culture and molecular biology in CAE vaccine development projects.
• Ability to conduct hypothesis-based research in partnership with a principal investigator at Zoetis and/or in collaboration with academia.
• Systematically optimize analytical parameters to establish useful and robust assays for biological products.
• Design and implement laboratory experiments, maintain proper documentation, conduct data analysis, and develop scientific conclusions from the experiments undertaken/completed, and report data to supervisor and project teams.
• Ability to work across multiple vaccine development project teams to design, develop, and evaluate safety and efficacy of biological products.
• Be adaptable to contribute beyond companion animal projects to meet the overall goals of the Global Biologicals Research group which may be required from time to time.
• Serve as a technical resource to PTs by providing the essential expertise in vaccinology, immunology, and microbiology required for successful project delivery. This includes open communication of experimental findings with team members, peers, and management.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement by conducting laboratory experiments to evaluate new technologies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Educational Background:

Scientist

• Minimum: B.S or MSc in biology, immunology, virology, microbiology, or related fields. The successful B.S candidate would have a minimum of 2-5 years of industry experience, and the MSc candidate 0-5 years.

Senior Scientist

• Minimum: MSc/PhD in biology, immunology, virology, microbiology, or related fields. The successful MSc candidate would have a minimum of 5+ years of industry experience, and the PhD candidate 0-5 years.

Desirable: Knowledge of companion animal or equine diseases and experience in the field of cell culture, virus/bacteria propagation, and molecular biology.

Technical Skills Requirements

• Strong practical and theoretical knowledge of the scientific disciplines that support vaccine design and development.
• Protein antigen and antibody biochemistry, including ELISA, SDS PAGE protein gels, Western gels, and other advanced analytical methods.
• Advanced knowledge in the assay design and quantitation and stability of antigens/formulations.
• Independent and critical scientific thinking. High attention to detail.
• Knowledge of the regulatory expectations for bio-analytical design and technical transfer.
• Demonstration of initiative and self-motivation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (writing and verbal). Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Collaboration across teams.
• Prioritization of work and ability to meet multiple project timelines. Work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Strong documentation skills. Computer skills required: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Management of lab supplies and operation of equipment autonomously.

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zoetis mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Zoetis employees, or to Zoetis resume database will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

Zoetis will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.