Senior Scientist - Virology/Molecular Biology
Zoetis US
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Zoetis, the world's largest animal health company, is seeking a Scientist or Senior Scientist with expertise in molecular virology to join the Swine Biologics group. This role supports the discovery and development of innovative vaccines for the global swine industry, with a strong focus on applied virology, molecular biology, and vaccinology.
Position Summary
The successful candidate will contribute to both basic and applied research aimed at developing novel swine vaccines. This role combines hands-on laboratory work with scientific leadership, collaboration, and mentoring to advance viral biologic products.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute hypothesis-driven research to support swine vaccine discovery and development.
- Apply expertise in virology, molecular biology, immunology, and vaccinology, including viral genetic manipulation and antigen identification.
- Conduct hands-on laboratory work including cell culture, virus propagation, genetic manipulation, and viral characterization.
- Perform in silico sequence analysis, including phylogenetics, viral evolution, and epitope identification.
- Collaborate across cross-functional teams and contribute to development strategies for live and non-replicating vaccines.
- Interpret scientific literature, maintain high standards of lab safety and documentation, and communicate results through presentations and reports.
- Mentor and support colleagues in laboratory techniques and scientific problem-solving (no direct reports).
Minimum Qualifications
- Possess a relevant degree in science such as a Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related field
- BS candidates with a minimum of 15 years relevant experience
- MS candidates with a minimum of 10 years relevant experience
- PhD candidates with 0 - 2 years of relevant experience
- Strong hands-on experience in virology and molecular biology, including cell culture and genetic analysis
- Demonstrated experience with hypothesis-driven laboratory research
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Preferred Experience
- Experience with swine viral pathogens, viral vectors, and vaccine strain construction
- Molecular techniques such as PCR, cloning, DNA extraction, and sequence analysis
- Familiarity with bioinformatics tools (e.g., BLAST, DNASTAR/Lasergene)
- Experience in vaccine discovery or development
- Knowledge of viral phylodynamics epitope prediction, and genomic approaches to vaccine target identification (e.g., IPA, VFdb, IEDB, AlphaFold)
About Zoetis
At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As 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. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues' careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.