Scientist, Downstream Bioprocess Development

Zoetis, Inc; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis, Inc. in Lincoln, Nebraska is seeking a Scientist for Downstream Bioprocess Development to advance purification and filtration steps for veterinary biologics.

The role involves bench work, DoE, and cross-functional collaboration across GMP-compliant environments. The successful candidate will work with mammals and bacterial expression systems, contribute to process characterization, and partner with manufacturing teams for scale-up and tech transfer.

Qualifications

• Experience in downstream processing (DSP) development and optimization.
• DoE-driven process characterization and optimization experience.
• Hands-on bench work with biologics production and purification.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations for veterinary biologics (USDA/EU) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize downstream processes for biologics antigen production and purification.
• Execute and troubleshoot downstream unit operations including chromatography and filtration to purify vaccine antigens and proteins.
• Perform design of experiments (DoE) to establish operating ranges and design spaces.
• Support purification and concentration for mono- and multivalent vaccine development.
• Collaborate with pilot and manufacturing teams to scale and transfer processes to GMP environments.
• Prepare protocols, study reports, and tech transfer documents for internal/external use.
• Represent DSP on cross-functional teams and communicate technical recommendations.
• Maintain electronic lab notebooks and SOP-compliant documentation.

Skills

Low-pressure chromatography

Automated chromatography systems

Analytical method proficiency

Protein chemistry fundamentals

Aseptic technique

Scientific communication

Education

BSc in Microbiology/Biotechnology/related

MSc in DSP/bioprocess/biochemical engineering

Tools

UNICORN

AKTA Explorer/Pure/Pilot

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.

Work Location:

Candidates may be based onsite at either our Kalamazoo, Michigan or Lincoln, Nebraska facility.

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.

Education & Experience

• 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; AKTA 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.

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.