Senior Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics Lead (Remote)

Stryker Corporation; Trenton (NJ); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

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

Reporting to the Head of Microbiology, the role partners with veterinary specialists, lab operations, quality, bench

Qualifications

• MS is required; PhD preferred in molecular biology or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, validate/verify, and implement multiplex PCR panels (primer/probe design, assay optimization).
• Execute and document validations/verifications and report study results.
• Lead/support SOP, policy, and data reporting within the Quality Management System.
• Annually review primer/probe targets and assess new reagents/controls.
• Implement QC program and monitor QC data; escalate 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 for accurate reporting.
• Consult with internal teams and veterinary customers on complex results.
• Provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and training support for bench staff.
• Collaborate with operations on efficiency and budget stewardship.
• Contribute to equipment readiness and reagent inventory planning.
• Support biosafety compliance (BSL-2) and safe work practices.
• Stay current on veterinary diagnostics and emerging pathogens.
• Support validation/training for new equipment or processes.
• Assist with technology or assay transfer from R&D to operations.
• Support other lab sections as needed.

Skills

Veterinary diagnostics

Real-time PCR

Multiplex assays

Data analysis

Leadership

Education

MS in Molecular Biology / Microbiology / Biochemistry or related

PhD preferred in related field

Tools

Sanger sequencing

BLAST analysis

Primer design

Quality systems knowledge

CLC Workbench

NGS knowledge

Job description

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

Reporting to the Head of Microbiology, the role partners with veterinary specialists, lab operations, quality, bench