Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist - Clinical Veterinarian

Zoetis; Richland Township (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Continuing education

Competitive health benefits

Retirement savings benefits

Job summary

A leading animal health company in Michigan is seeking a Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist to provide clinical veterinary support for research projects. The ideal candidate will have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) and at least three years of clinical experience, primarily with livestock and companion animals. Responsibilities include overseeing veterinary programs, ensuring compliance, and training staff. This role offers competitive benefits and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of clinical veterinary practice with livestock and companion animals.
• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Michigan.
• Experience developing animal models for research.

Responsibilities

• Provide veterinary support to research animals at Richland and Kalamazoo.
• Develop and implement preventive medicine procedures.
• Oversee study compliance and protocols.

Skills

Clinical veterinary practice

Animal handling and restraint

Veterinary diagnostics

Surgical procedures

Independent and flexible thinking

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD)

Federally accredited veterinarian

Job description

Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist – Clinical Veterinarian

Kalamazoo, Michigan is the world headquarters for Veterinary Medicine Research and Development (VMRD) for Zoetis. The Kalamazoo/Richland Veterinary Service group, within Global Animal Science and Welfare, has the mission and responsibility of developing and implementing veterinary care programs and providing support to VMRD projects at the Richland and Kalamazoo sites. We are seeking an experienced, innovative, and highly motivated veterinarian to contribute to delivering an exceptional animal care program and partner with VMRD researchers to produce high‑quality research studies.

Education and Experience

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD) from an accredited college and a minimum of 3 years of clinical veterinary practice, primarily with livestock (horses, cattle, swine, small ruminants, poultry), companion animal medicine and surgery, and familiarity with traditional lab animal species (rats, mice, guinea pigs).
• Licensed to practice in at least one state with the expectation to become licensed in Michigan.
• Federally accredited or the ability to become federally accredited.
• Strong hands‑on expertise in a range of animal techniques including handling, restraint, dosing, venipuncture, clinical examination and diagnosis, dental surgery, minor surgical procedures, and necropsy.

Other Desirable Attributes

• Previous experience in a research setting as a clinical veterinarian.
• A diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Medicine (DACLAM).
• Experience developing animal models for research.
• Experience working in biocontainment facilities and developing biosecurity programs.
• Additional academic training in an allied field (infectious diseases, immunology, epidemiology).
• Knowledge of animal welfare compliance oversight.
• Experience working in animal programs regulated by USDA APHIS and visited by AAALAC.
• Network of research veterinarians and/or experts in a variety of veterinary disciplines.
• High motivation, demonstrated initiative, independent and flexible thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Strong documentation, writing, teaching, and oral communication skills.
• Experience with multiple software platforms, including electronic data capture and data management.
• Experience with livestock and/or traditional lab animal species.

Position Responsibilities

• Provide clinical veterinary support to research animals at the Richland and/or Kalamazoo sites in support of VMRD.
• Develop and/or implement population medicine programs and preventive medicine procedures.
• Train animal care technicians and/or study personnel.
• Oversee studies by reviewing protocols and ensuring compliance with approved procedures.
• Participate in pre‑study activities.
• Prepare health certificates and assess animals prior to shipment and after receipt.
• Author and review SOPs.
• Perform necropsies.
• Serve as a non‑voting Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee ad‑hoc member (e.g., Animal Use Protocol review, semiannual facility inspections).
• Participate in veterinary on‑call duty on weekends and holidays on a rotational basis.
• Participate in facility design/renovation planning.

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Provide support to the Animal Welfare and Compliance Team by assisting with animal welfare audits of animal suppliers and contract research organizations and participating in internal and external animal welfare audits (AAALAC International, USDA, and internal audits).

Additional Information

• Work environment: The person filling this position will work with research scientists, study monitors, line managers and technical staff. May require handling zoonotic organisms and chemicals. May be required in BSL‑2 and BSL‑3 facilities requiring shower in/out procedures.
• Veterinary support is about 25% in support of research projects and 75% in support of the animal care program.
• Participate in veterinary on‑call duty on weekends and holidays on a rotational basis, including some work outside of core business hours.
• Some travel (~10%) to off‑site locations may be required.
• Support for tuition reimbursement, continuing education and career development is available.

About Zoetis

Zoetis is 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. Our award‑winning culture is built around Core Beliefs and focuses on our people’s careers, connection, and support. We offer competitive health and retirement savings benefits and a wide array of programs to support wellbeing in health, financial, family and lifestyle areas.