Senior Scientist – Lyophilization and Pilot Specialist

Zoetis Spain SL; Louvain-la-Neuve; Sur place; EUR 90 000 - 120 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The Senior Scientist – Lyophilization/Pilot Specialist at Zoetis in Louvain-la-Neuve leads lyophilization development for new products and supports Pilot Plant GMP operations across sites. You will design cycles, execute development studies, and ensure robust transfer to manufacturing with clear documentation.

You will work autonomously in development and hands-on in GMP areas (Grade A/B), collaborating with R&D, Quality, and other functions to deliver scalable processes and timely decisions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (or PhD) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience in lyophilization process development and/or sterile product development within a regulated environment (GMP experience preferred).
• Understanding of biochemistry, degradation pathways, and stabilization of antigen/protein products.
• Experience in handling protein formulations.

Responsabilités

• Develop lyophilization cycles and methods for new products from feasibility to robust process definition.
• Plan, execute, and document development studies; translate data into clear recommendations.
• Own and manage a development area with organization, equipment readiness, and documentation.

Connaissances

Lyophilization

Process development

GMP

Tech transfer

Cross-functional collaboration

Autonomous working

Grade B

Protein formulations

French & English

Formation

Master's degree

PhD (preferred)

Outils

Tempris

Karl Fischer moisture

DSC

Electron microscopy

Description du poste

Role Description For the Drug Product Pilot Plant in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, Zoetis is looking for a Senior Scientist – Lyophilization/Pilot Specialist.

The Senior Scientist – Lyophilization/Pilot Specialist is responsible for developing lyophilization processes for new products, supporting new product development projects, and actively contributing to Pilot Plant GMP manufacturing operations. The role requires strong cross-functional collaboration across sites and time zones, and the ability to work autonomously in a development environment as well as hands‑on in GMP areas (including grade A/B). A strong mastery of lyophilization theory is expected (e.g., nucleation, Tg′, collapse temperature and key critical process parameters impacting product quality).

• Develop lyophilization (freeze-drying) cycles and methods for new products, from feasibility to robust process definition.
• Plan, execute, and document development studies; analyze results and translate data into clear recommendations for next steps.
• Provide at least theoretical mastery of core lyophilization-related equipment and analytical tools (e.g., freeze‑dryer operation principles, product probes such as Tempris, Karl Fischer moisture, DSC, electron microscopy) and ensure appropriate use in development work.
• Own and manage a development area in autonomy, including organization, equipment readiness, and good documentation practices.
• Represent the Pilot Plant / LLN in development meetings with stakeholders from R&D, Quality, and other functions; communicate progress, risks, and decisions clearly.
• Lead project development and transfer aspects of new product (scope, timelines, deliverables, meeting cadence, and action follow‑up) in a multi‑site environment.
• Identify, evaluate and implement novel technologies which may be incorporated into expertise area Pilot Plant GMP manufacturing support:
• Actively participate in Pilot Plant production operations, including routine presence and work in GMP areas.
• Responsible for the drug product scale‑up and tech transfer activities
• Coordinates technical transfer activities and the use of manufacturing facilities for VMRD functions, including production of PLS/VICH drug product batches
• Perform GMP gowning and follow GMP behaviors and requirements (cleaning, environmental monitoring awareness, and compliance with procedures).
• Complete the required qualification and be able to enter and work in Grade B areas, in line with site training and qualification requirements.
• Support production activities such as material preparation, equipment preparation/assembly, cleaning and sterilization, tank cleaning, and execution of unit operations.
• Contribute to formulation activities in GMP and non‑GMP environments, including activities linked to graded areas.
• Work under RABS when applicable and support filling activities, including hands‑on work on a graded filling line within GMP areas.

• Master’s degree (or PhD) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience in lyophilization process development and/or sterile product development within a regulated environment (GMP experience is strongly preferred).
• Understanding of biochemistry, degradation pathways, and general approaches for antigen and protein stabilization
• Experience in handling protein formulations
• Expertise with liquid and lyophilized drug product scale‑up, tech transfer activities
• Exposure to relevant regulatory guidelines and product/process development and registration
• Well‑versed with Quality and EHS requirements
• Ability and willingness to perform hands‑on activities in GMP areas, including the requirements associated with working in graded areas (up to and including Grade B).
• Strong scientific rigor: experimental design, data interpretation, and clear technical writing/documentation.
• Project mindset: ability to manage priorities, timelines, and stakeholders across multiple sites and time zones.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills; comfortable interacting with scientific and Quality stakeholders.
• Autonomous, structured, and safety/quality minded in daily execution.
• Fluent in French and English
• Demonstrated problem solving skills and ability to perform in a team‑based environment.

At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture our 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.