Scientist, Downstream Bioprocess Development

Zoetis • Kalamazoo, MI

4d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• BSc/MSc in Microbiology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree