Team Leader, Vaccine Formulation Development

Role Description

Zoetis Veterinary Medicine Research and Development (VMRD) is seeking an enthusiastic colleague for a challenging and fast-paced position in Biologics Product Development in Kalamazoo, MI.

The incumbent is responsible for the design and execution of vaccine formulation and delivery strategies for different antigen types (peptide, protein, nucleotides, viral, bacterial etc.). The scientist in this position is also responsible for working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams, author technical documents, leading / supporting organizational initiatives, assessing new capabilities / technologies. The selected individual is expected to have knowledge of immune pathways, molecular biology, and formulation approaches used for vaccine products. Colleague would be responsible for leading a team of vaccine formulation scientists.

The responsibilities for this role will include but not limited to:

• Design vaccine delivery approaches to attain desired immune response, based on biology of disease and intervention approaches
• Design and conduct studies to characterize molecular and biophysical properties of various types of antigens (peptides, proteins, nucleotides, viral, bacterial etc.)
• Design and development of parenteral biologic formulations (solutions, lyophilized products, and other dosage forms)
• Develop and optimize lyophilization-cycle
• Develop and prepare vaccines for clinical studies
• Lead a team of scientists responsible for formulation development of vaccines
• Work with cross-functional teams (internal and external) to execute plans and deliverables
• Keep abreast of relevant new technologies & regulatory expectations/requirements
• Ensure work activities are aligned with relevant Quality and EHS requirements.

Basic Qualifications

M.S (with 7 plus years of relevant experience) or PhD (with 3 of experience in academia, biotech or pharmaceutical industry) in Immunology, Pharmaceutics or Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering or related field with research focus on adjuvant research, formulation and delivery aspects of vaccines or immuno-therapeutics. Prior people leader experience is preferred.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with various types of vaccine antigens and adjuvant systems
• Advanced knowledge of drug delivery systems for biologicals
• Experience in parenteral formulation development for biologics and lyophilization techniques
• Understanding of biochemistry, degradation pathways, and general approaches for antigen stabilization
• Experience with biophysical techniques and ability to apply them for characterization and problem-solving during vaccine formulation development
• Ability to independently contribute from the bench
• Demonstrated people leader skills, ability to coach, train and lead others in the design, execution and interpretation of experiments for formulation development
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
  

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.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Connected to our purpose and Core Beliefs, at Zoetis, we lead with inclusion. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) focus helps create an environment where each colleague can thrive. Our commitment to DE&I begins with our leadership team of diverse backgrounds, experiences and ethnicities, and it is demonstrated in our support of our colleagues and the animal health industry. We have nine colleague resources groups whose members spread awareness, foster inclusivity and make a positive impact on our business and communities.

Our commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has earned us recognitions as a 2024 Catalyst Award recipient and a Top 50 Company for Workplace Fairness by Fair360 (formerly DiversityInc). Zoetis has also been named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality, a Best Company for Working Parents, a Top Company for Executive Women, among many others. Learn more here.

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