Senior Associate Scientist / Scientist

Role Description

The Sr. Associate Scientist / Scientist in the protein preparation laboratory will play an essential role in the Zoetis biopharmaceutical program for veterinary medicine. The successful applicant will work with other team members to produce multiple preparations of monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic proteins in a fast-paced R&D space engaged in numerous projects. The incumbent is expected to work hands-on at the bench while learning strong technical skills in both upstream production and downstream purification workflows. They are expected to work in partnership with colleagues in upstream/downstream development, formulation development, and bioanalytical science. To be successful, they will have some knowledge of CHO cell culture, bioreactor operation, chromatography, and filtration processes. The position is based in Kalamazoo (Michigan, USA) with interactions with colleagues and external partners located around the globe.

Position Responsibilities:

• Aseptically culture cells and production systems such as CHO cells for the expression of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and recombinant proteins.
• Operate bench- and mid-scale bioreactor systems that are used within the laboratory to routinely produce mAbs and therapeutic proteins.
• Operate multiple modalities of chromatography and filtration systems that are routinely used to isolate, purify, and concentrate mAbs and proteins.
• Coordinate with cell culture and downstream development groups on the procedures, raw materials and equipment required for a successful mid-scale batch.
• Assist in authoring protocols, and technology transfer documents that will support technology transfer within the company or to contract manufacturers and well as to support regulatory filings for new product registrations.
• Apply theoretical knowledge in the scientific disciplines that support cell culture and downstream processing such as molecular biology, microbiology, cell physiology, protein chemistry, biotechnology, biochemical engineering, and biochemistry.
• Understand and apply principles of scale-up and scale-down to bioreactor systems and downstream processes. Application of mass transfer models will be highly considered.
• Strive for continuous improvement in the existing workflow, technologies, and techniques utilized in bioprocess development.
• Regularly communicate via excellent written and verbal interactions, as well as clear technical presentations.
• Work within GLP/cGMP documentation standards to provide high quality, regulatory compliant technical documentation in support of technology transfer within the company or to contract manufacturers and well as to support regulatory filings for new product registrations
• Serve as a technical liaison between Biologics Process Development - DSP group, Upstream Development teams, and other partner groups such as Discovery, Pilot, GMS and Quality.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills in order to engage in multiple projects.
• Maintain electronic laboratory notebooks and records in accord with scientific protocol and applicable Standard Operating Procedures.
• Bolster the highly collaborative team environment necessary across the biopharmaceutical development programs.

Education

• Possess a relevant degree in science or engineering, such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, or Biomedical Engineering.
• A BS candidate would be expected to have 3+ years of experience and the MS candidate 0-5+ years of experience in a relevant biotechnology industry.

Experience

• Aseptic technique and cell culture.
• Bioreactor and/or fermenter operation.
• Cell clarification and harvest.
• Therapeutic protein and/or monoclonal antibody purifications and polishing.
• Automated chromatography systems.
• Crossflow and dead-end filtration.
• Principles of scale-up and scale-down for cell culture systems and downstream processes.
• Knowledge of topics, concepts, and issues associated with GXP and global regulatory agencies.
• Technology and process transfers.
• Computer and data analytics literate.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and perspectives.
• Positive attitude and high motivation.

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.