Senior Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics Lead

Stryker Corporation; New Jersey; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis Reference Laboratories seeks a Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics Lead to own development, validation, implementation, and lifecycle management of multiplex real-time PCR panels for detecting infectious agents in animal specimens. The role blends veterinary diagnostics with advanced molecular methods to deliver accurate, clinically meaningful results.

The position reports to the Head of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Testing and partners with veterinary specialists, lab operations,

Qualifications

• MS required; PhD preferred in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Veterinary/Animal Health sciences, or related field (or equivalent).
• 10+ years in veterinary molecular diagnostics or closely related diagnostic/IVD environment.
• Veterinary microbiology and/or molecular laboratory experience is essential.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience developing and validating real-time PCR (qPCR/RT PCR) and multiplex assays.
• 10+ years of experience with Sanger sequencing, BLAST analysis and primer design.
• 10+ years of experience with proficiency testing as a competency tool.
• Experience with quality systems for molecular diagnostics; ISO 17025 or similar accreditation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, validate/verify, and implement multiplex PCR panels (primer/probe design, assay optimization, acceptance criteria).
• Execute and document validations/verifications and report study results.
• Lead/support SOP, policy, and data reporting development within the Quality Management System.
• Annually review primer/probe targets and assess new reagents/controls; lead updates as needed.
• Implement QC program and QC monitoring; trend data and report issues promptly.
• Lead or support investigations of nonconformances, root cause, CAPA, and effectiveness checks.
• Troubleshoot assay and performance issues using data-driven approaches.
• Oversee technician review of PCR data to ensure accurate reporting.
• Consult with internal teams and veterinary customers on complex results and case workups.
• Provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and training support for bench colleagues.
• Collaborate with operations on efficiency and budget stewardship.
• Contribute to equipment readiness and reagent inventory planning as applicable.
• Support biosafety compliance (BSL-2) and stay current on veterinary diagnostics trends.
• Assist with validation/training for new equipment or processes; support transfer from R&D to operations.
• Support other lab sections as needed (e.g., Serology or Bacteriology).

Skills

Molecular diagnostics

qPCR

Leadership

Data analysis

LIS

Education

MS in Molecular Biology

PhD preferred

Tools

Sanger sequencing

BLAST

CLC Workbench

NGS

Job description

Zoetis Reference Laboratories seeks a Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics Lead to own development, validation, implementation, and lifecycle management of multiplex real-time PCR panels for detecting infectious agents in animal specimens. The role blends veterinary diagnostics with advanced molecular methods to deliver accurate, clinically meaningful results.

The position reports to the Head of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Testing and partners with veterinary specialists, lab operations,