Position Summary:
The Scientist in Downstream Bioprocess Development plays an essential role in Zoetis' biopharmaceutical and vaccine strategies for veterinary medicine. This role supports global product development and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacture by developing and optimizing downstream processes, including purification and filtration for veterinary biologics antigens and recombinant proteins.
The successful candidate will work hands-on at the bench and independently provide technical input and guidance within the discipline of biological manufacturing sciences. They will serve as a technical resource for chromatography and filtration approaches supporting traditional biologics antigens and proteins expressed in both mammalian and bacterial systems, with working knowledge of related unit operations (e.g., cell culture, fermentation, formulation, and analytical characterization) as they interface with the DSP workstream.
This role collaborates cross-functionally with colleagues in early research, bacteriology, virology, formulation development, regulatory affairs, bioanalytical sciences, pilot operations, and manufacturing. Regular engagement with global colleagues and external partners is also expected.
Organizational Relationships:
This position sits within the Bioprocess Development line within Development Sciences and Technologies. The role works closely with internal partners across Biological Research, bacteriology, virology, formulation development, bioanalytical sciences, regulatory affairs, pilot operations, and manufacturing, and may also interface with external vendors, contractors, research collaborators, and contract manufacturers.
Work Location:
Candidates may be based onsite at either our Kalamazoo, Michigan or Lincoln, Nebraska facility.
Responsibilities & Qualifications:
Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize robust, economical downstream processes for biologics antigen production and recombinant protein purification.
- Execute and troubleshoot downstream unit operations, including chromatography and filtration (cross-flow and dead-end), to purify and concentrate vaccine antigens and therapeutic proteins.
- Perform process characterization and optimization studies, including Design of Experiments (DoE), to establish operational ranges and define design spaces.
- Support purification of antigens and concentration of viral and bacterial materials for mono- and multivalent vaccine development.
- Partner with pilot and manufacturing teams to scale processes and transfer to commercial/GMP environments.
- Author protocols, study reports, and technology transfer documents to support internal/external tech transfer and regulatory filings.
- Represent DSP/Process Development on interdisciplinary project teams; provide technical recommendations and support decision-making within the DSP workstream.
- Maintain electronic laboratory notebooks, electronic templates, and documentation in accordance with scientific protocols and applicable SOPs.
Education & Experience
- Education: BSc/MSc in Microbiology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related discipline.
- Experience: BSc: 5-7 years relevant academic and/or industry experience in downstream processing (DSP), or MSc: 3-5 years relevant academic and/or industry experience in DSP.
Required Qualifications
- Experience developing low-pressure chromatography steps (multiple modalities) and filtration steps (cross-flow and dead-end).
- Hands-on experience with automated chromatography systems/software (e.g., UNICORN; ÄKTA Explorer/Pure/Pilot).
- Experience with core analytical methods used to evaluate DSP performance (e.g., HPLC/LC, UV-Vis, gel electrophoresis, total protein/protein assays).
- Strong scientific fundamentals supporting DSP (e.g., protein chemistry, biotechnology, biochemistry).
- Experience in aseptic technique.
- Strong communication skills (oral and written) and strong interpersonal skills; able to work effectively with diverse personalities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with mid-scale and/or large-scale protein/vaccine preparations.
- Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE) planning, execution, and data analysis.
- Experience applying scale-up and scale-down principles to DSP.
- Knowledge of regulatory expectations relevant to veterinary biologics (e.g., USDA and EU submissions).
- Experience with technical transfers and working with internal manufacturing and/or external partners.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with accuracy and efficiency; strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and quality documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret complex data sets, recognize anomalous results, determine appropriate next steps, and clearly articulate scientific rationale to cross-functional partners.
About Zoetis
At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues' careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.
Notice: Zoetis Recruiters will contact candidates via email from an address ending in @zoetis.com and may also initially connect with candidates through LinkedIn, including LinkedIn InMail. Zoetis does not use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or other web-based/generic email domains to communicate about job opportunities, interviews, or offers of employment. If you receive a recruitment-related email message claiming to be from Zoetis that does not come from @zoetis.com, please treat it as suspicious. For your security, do not reply, click links, open attachments, share personal or financial information, or send money in response to unexpected or questionable recruitment communications.
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