Senior Associate Scientist, Biodevice Development & Validation

Position Summary:

This Sr. Associate Scientist, Biodevice Development & Validation (BDV) position is located at Zoetis Global BioDevices R&D headquarters’ in Durham, North Carolina. This individual will play a role in the development and validation of biodevice products that are on the cutting edge of technology in the global animal health industry to maintain Zoetis Inc. as a global leader in biodevices for livestock and companion animals. The Sr. Associate Scientist, BDV will contribute to efforts ensuring all Zoetis biodevice products achieve a successful (safe and efficacious) product launch. This role influences design by evaluating bioprocess impacts, contributing to design requirements and specifications for development, and executing the required testing to validate biodevice designs. Participation in technical evaluations both in-house and at customer test sites and interaction with engineering disciplines, Technical Service, and Field Service representatives is required.

Education and Experience:

Education: BS or equivalent training/experience in a relevant field.

Experience: A minimum of 1-3 years experience in animal research and/or a relevant laboratory science.

Technical Skills Requirements:

• Capable of developing and executing test protocols
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with internal and external customers
• Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments.
• Experience with animal handling and GLP/GCP desired
• Ability to perform research activities involving specialized laboratory equipment
• Ability to interpret experimental results
• Competent in written and oral communication

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide product development insight for novel biodevice offerings and their potential impact on biology through research of real world usage parameters that may impact device safety and efficacy.
• Apply training in bioprocess development, basic research, screening, model development and/or in vitro, in vivo and target species studies.
• Exhibit good knowledge of experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.
• Function in matrix environment.
• Effectively interact with management, peers, colleagues, external collaborators, and contractors.
• Work in a structured environment with moderate supervision.
• Develop and execute testing protocols for characterization and validation of biodevice products and/or concepts at the interface of technology and biology.
• Record, calculate, and maintain detailed records of experimental data in accordance with GLP or GCP.
• Conduct studies to test prototypes; input data into databases, derive reports and analyze data. Perform necropsy and biological analysis as needed.
• Contribute to the development of device cleaning and sanitation methods through analytical testing. Conduct validation and testing for design changes (ECR’s) of components, device sub-systems, or full bio-mechanical devices, both in-house and at commercial production test sites.
• Continuously improve process and/or device performance test documentation including SOPs, validation protocols and data records to ensure device performance remains safe and efficacious.
• Demonstrate good written and verbal skills.

Physical Position Requirements:

• Standard office working conditions
• Animal health working conditions:
  • Projects will require personnel to spend time within commercial livestock environmental conditions and animal healthcare facilities. This will expose personnel to dander particulates, chemical fumes, heavy automated production equipment, biological exposure, and confined spaces. Appropriately defined personal protection equipment (PPE) will be provided to all personnel to comply with customer site and Zoetis internal employee safety and biosecurity policies.
• Lab environment with mechanical and biological/chemical hazards.
• Extensive field work is required (up to 30%) depending upon stage of product testing - subject to adjust based on project requirements.