Scientist, Downstream Bioprocess Development

Zoetis Spain SL; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis in Kalamazoo, MI, seeks a Scientist in Downstream Bioprocess Development who will develop and optimize downstream processes for veterinary biologics and recombinant proteins. The role includes hands-on bench work and cross-functional collaboration within GMP manufacturing and product development.

You will lead chromatography and filtration studies, perform DoE, transfer processes to pilot and commercial GMP environments, and author protocols and tech transfer documents.

Qualifications

• Experience in DSP with low‑pressure chromatography and filtration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize downstream processes for biologics antigen production.

Skills

Downstream processing

Chromatography

Filtration

DoE

Aseptic technique

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Microbiology/Biotech/Biochemical Eng

Experience in DSP in industry or academia

Tools

UNICORN software

ÄKTA Explorer

Job description

Position Summary

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.

Organizational Relationships

This position sits within the Bioprocess Development line within Development Sciences and Technologies. The role works closely with internal partners across Biological Research, bacteriology, virology, formulation development, bioanalytical sciences, regulatory affairs, pilot operations, and manufacturing, and may also interface with external vendors, contractors, research collaborators, and contract manufacturers.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

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.

Qualifications

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

Experience: 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Full time Regular Colleague

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zoetis mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Zoetis employees, or to Zoetis resume database will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Zoetis will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.

Notice: Zoetis Recruiters will contact candidates via email from an address ending in @zoetis.com and may also initially connect with candidates through LinkedIn, including LinkedIn InMail. Zoetis does not use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or other web‑based/generic email domains to communicate about job opportunities, interviews, or offers of employment. If you receive a recruitment‑related email message claiming to be from Zoetis that does not come from @zoetis.com, please treat it as suspicious. For your security, do not reply, click links, open attachments, share personal or financial information, or send money in response to unexpected or questionable recruitment communications. Zoetis is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status or any other protected classification. Disabled individuals are given an equal opportunity to use our online application system. We offer reasonable accommodations as an alternative if requested by an individual with a disability. Please contact Zoetis Colleague Services at [e-mail] to request an accommodation. Zoetis also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must possess or obtain authorization to work in the US for Zoetis. Zoetis retains sole and exclusive discretion to pursue sponsorship for the acquisition or maintenance of nonimmigrant status and employment eligibility, considering factors such as availability of qualified US workers. Individuals requiring sponsorship must disclose this fact. Please note that Zoetis seeks information related to job applications from candidates for jobs in the U.S. solely via the following: (1) our company website at www.Zoetis.com/careers site, or (2) via email to/from addresses using only the Zoetis domain of “@zoetis.com”. In addition, Zoetis does not use Google Hangout for any recruitment related activities. Any solicitation or request for information related to job applications with Zoetis via any other means and/or utilizing email addresses with any other domain should be disregarded. In addition, Zoetis will never ask candidates to make any type of personal financial investment related to gaining employment with Zoetis.

Why Zoetis

Zoetis has more than 60 years of experience in delivering innovative, high‑quality products and services that benefit our customers.

Zoetis work environment

At Zoetis, we take pride in a collaborative spirit and high‑performing environment where every colleague is given room to learn and grow.

Your opportunities at Zoetis

We invest in our people and offer diverse and exciting opportunities to make a difference in a growing global industry while shaping the future of animal health.

Results that matter

Our colleagues make an impact by working hand‑in‑hand with those who raise and care for animals to better understand and address the unique real‑world challenges they face.