Senior Associate Scientist

The Poultry Biologics group is seeking a talented and highly motivated Senior Associate Scientist with a strong background in microbiology, with a particular emphasis on virology, to play a pivotal role in the discovery and development of next-generation poultry vaccines. The Global Biologics Research group is dedicated to identifying, designing, and developing novel biological products that address economically impactful diseases and conditions affecting both livestock and companion animals. By joining our team, you will contribute to innovative R&D programs, working alongside global, multidisciplinary teams to advance the science of vaccine development within Poultry Biologics.

This laboratory-based position requires hands-on experience in microbiology, cell culture, egg-based virus propagation and quantification assays, cellular biology, and molecular biology techniques. The Senior Associate Scientist will also support clinical trials focused on vaccine development, working closely with internal and external partners to ensure the successful translation of research findings into impactful biological solutions for animal health.

Key Responsibilities

• Experimental Design & Execution:
  Leverage your expertise in biology, microbiology, virology, cell culture, egg-based virus propagation and quantification, and molecular biology techniques to design, implement, and execute experiments that drive project advancement. Clearly communicate experimental results, data interpretations, and technical recommendations to team members, peers, and management through both written and verbal channels.
• Technical Resource & Clinical Support:
  Serve as a technical resource for project teams, providing scientific support for clinical safety and efficacy testing with the goal of achieving licensure for animal health biologics. Collaborate with clinical teams to ensure the quality and integrity of studies, contributing to the design, execution, and analysis of clinical trials.
• Documentation & Compliance:
  Maintain meticulous records of all experimental procedures, results, and observations in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs), ensuring full compliance with scientific protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regulatory requirements. Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, regulatory submissions, and scientific publications as needed.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
  Collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues across multiple functional groups, including analytical, formulation, clinical, and regulatory teams. Participate in multidisciplinary project meetings, offering scientific insights and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Laboratory Operations:
  Independently manage laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment to ensure the smooth operation of research activities. Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments, and coordinate with facilities and vendors as necessary.
• Project Management & Prioritization:
  Prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently to meet project deadlines and deliverables. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, exercise sound scientific judgment, and adapt to changing project needs in a dynamic research environment.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement:
  Embrace a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by designing and conducting laboratory experiments to evaluate and implement emerging technologies, methodologies, and best practices. Stay current with scientific literature and technological advances relevant to vaccine research and development.

Organizational Relationships

• The Senior Associate Scientist position is an integral part of the Global Biologics line, regularly collaborating with colleagues across diverse disciplines, including but not limited to vaccine research, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, bioanalytical sciences, process development, clinical operations, formulation development, and regulatory affairs.
• The incumbent is expected to build and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with Project Team Leaders, peers, and line representatives within multidisciplinary team environments, contributing to the collective success of research and development initiatives.

• Education:
  • Minimum: Bachelor's degree with substantial experience in microbiology, with a primary focus on virology, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, vaccinology, or closely related scientific fields.
  • Desirable: Advanced degree (e.g., Master's) in a relevant scientific discipline is advantageous and may substitute for some experience.

• Experience & Skills:
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience in laboratory research, with proficiency in microbiology, virology, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques.
  • Experience with egg-based virus propagation and quantification assays is highly desirable.
  • Proven ability to develop, optimize, and validate scientific assays; analyze and interpret complex scientific data; and present findings in a clear and concise manner.
  • Prior experience in the fields of clinical trials, recombinant expression systems, analytical methods, and poultry infectious diseases is strongly preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
  • Motivation, adaptability, and a commitment to scientific excellence and continuous learning.

Additional Information

• This position is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and involves frequent interaction with colleagues and external partners worldwide. Occasional travel may be required to support project meetings, collaborations, or clinical trial activities.
• The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, innovative research environment, contributing to the advancement of animal health solutions that have a global impact.

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