Global Animal Behavior & Welfare Leader

Zoetis; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis in Kalamazoo, MI, seeks the Associate Director of Global Animal Behavior to lead enterprise-wide behavioral science, build the scientific foundation for welfare, and translate findings into practical programs across global research sites.

You will lead a team of three behavior technicians and one behavior scientist, collaborate with veterinarians and IACUCs, and drive data-driven strategies to improve animal welfare and research reproducibility.

Qualifications

• DVM or VMD from AVMA-accredited institution required.
• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB) required, or active board eligibility.
• Ph.D. in animal behavior, comparative psychology, or behavioral neuroscience with substantial applied laboratory animal behavioral science experience will also be considered.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in animal behavior science in a research setting (pharma, biotech, academic, or CRO preferred).
• Experience developing and delivering behavioral science training for research and animal care audiences.
• Prior people leadership experience including mentoring scientific staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership and strategic direction enterprise-wide for animal behavior and welfare science.
• Develop and maintain the scientific framework for behavioral welfare assessment and enrichment across sites.
• Translate research into organizational programs and standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of three behavior technicians and one behavior scientist.
• Oversee design and delivery of behavioral intervention programs across species.
• Drive data-informed methodologies to reduce stress and variability in research animals.
• Translate behavioral data into actionable recommendations to improve welfare and reproducibility.
• Serve as SME for policy development and SOP reviews.

Skills

Animal behavior

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Welfare science

Research ethics

Education

DVM or VMD

DACVB Diplomate or board-eligibility

PhD in related field (considered)

Job description

Zoetis in Kalamazoo, MI, seeks the Associate Director of Global Animal Behavior to lead enterprise-wide behavioral science, build the scientific foundation for welfare, and translate findings into practical programs across global research sites.

You will lead a team of three behavior technicians and one behavior scientist, collaborate with veterinarians and IACUCs, and drive data-driven strategies to improve animal welfare and research reproducibility.