Team Leader – Animal Care

Zoetis•Charles City, IA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY: The Quality Control Animal Testing Team Leader oversees the day-to-day operations of the Biologics QC Animal Test functions, leading and training staff on the execution of safety and potency testing across multiple species, animal care, facility/building management, and monitoring of testing schedules to support on-time product release. This role partners closely with QC laboratory, manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to prioritize work, coordinate resources, and ensure timely testing, documentation completion, and batch disposition. The Team Leader is accountable for reviewing QC test records for compliance with applicable Outlines of Production, Standard Methods, and regulatory requirements, including 9 CFR, EU, and animal welfare regulations. Responsibilities include authoring and reviewing Standard Methods, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Animal Usage Protocols (AUPs) in alignment with IACUC guidelines and regulatory expectations.

Requirements

BA/BS with 2-4 years of experience OR MBA/MS with 0-2 years of experience OR Minimum of 8 years relevant experience.
Understanding of USDA and EU regulatory guidelines.
Understanding of Animal Welfare guidelines.
Ability to ensure compliance with changing guidelines.
Ability to trouble-shoot problems and implement corrective action
Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information in both written documentation and verbal discussions
Physically able to perform the job which includes handling animals and lifting up to 50 lbs while wearing respiratory protection as well as additional personal protective equipment.
Must be able to sit, walk or stand for long periods of time.
Must be able to wear a respirator
Must be able to reach above shoulder level, bend/stoop, kneel, push/pull, and handle/grip frequently.
Must be able to work scheduled 40 hours with the ability to work overtime as needed.
Frequent lifting and carrying of 5 to 50 lbs.
Regular reaching, bending, stooping, and twisting
Repetitive motion and substantial movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
Must be able to work in varying temperatures

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and train the QC Animal Testing team on laboratory animal care, facility/building management, and execution of testing schedules.
Oversee safety and potency testing across multiple species in support of batch disposition, providing timely notifications on testing delays or issues.
Partner with QC Laboratories, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to organize, prioritize, and adjust schedules to ensure on-time testing and product release.
Review QC test records to confirm accuracy, completeness, and compliance to regulatory filings prior to product release.
Review and maintain Outlines of Production, Standard Methods, Manufacturing Directions, and SOPs to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements such as 9CFR, European Pharmacopoeia, and Animal Welfare Act.
Write, review, and maintain Animal Usage Protocols (AUPs) to ensure compliance with IACUC guidelines and ethical use standards.
Compile and submit animal-use numbers and supporting documentation to the IACUC for committee review and approval.
Support regulatory submissions (e.g., USDA) by compiling, verifying, and providing required testing and compliance documentation.
Manage the QC Animal Testing departmental budget and contribute to annual budgeting and forecasting activities.
Provide support to project requests for facility and testing improvements.
Participate in Lean/continuous improvement initiatives (Lean Labs), applying Lean/Six Sigma tools to improve efficiency, compliance, and performance.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information in both written documentation and verbal discussions.
Demonstrated high-performance capability leading complex QC Animal Testing investigations, applying Lean/Lean Six Sigma tools to drive thorough root-cause analysis, timely issue resolution, and robust, compliant CAPA that measurably improves efficiency and performance.
Partner with the QC Department and site to take on additional tasks, leadership opportunities, to level load responsibilities.