Sr. Technical Services Scientist

Position Summary

Provide technical expertise in the design, execution, validation, troubleshooting, and implementation of biological yield improvement initiatives for vaccine manufacturing to support Charles City Zoetis Animal Health products. Expertise in the following areas is sought:

• Viral Antigen Manufacturing
• Bacterin Antigen Manufacturing
• Poultry Antigen Manufacturing
• Biological Vaccine Formulation
• Process Engineering
• People Management/Mentoring
• Project Management
• Lean Six Sigma Expertise

Prepare and manage key production documents; Manufacturing Directions; BOMs; SOPs; test specifications and ensure implementation and that proper change control procedures are followed.

Position Responsibilities

• Take lead in mass transfer and Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) characterizations of production scale vessels for vaccine manufacturing.
• Conduct scale up studies to support tech transfer projects.
• Lead or support commissioning of new lab scale and production scale equipment, write operational SOPs, and train technicians.
• Manage or support strategical important projects, i.e., tech transfers and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead without authority in project management settings and in coaching/mentoring junior scientists.
• Extensive knowledge in statistical process control, i.e., process monitoring, process capability assessment, etc.
• Working knowledge in the DMAIC process.
• Familiarity with core Lean principles.
• Working knowledge in Quality by Design (QbD) is highly desired.
• Independently provide technical support for new products, change control process improvements, and site to site transfers.
• Candidates must be capable of evaluating, recommending, and applying state-of-the-art technology in vaccine manufacturing.
• Incumbents will be responsible for ensuring that the needs of the business are met by establishing analytical methods and process metrics.
• Lead and/or participate in site and cross-functional project/investigation teams.
• Provide leadership in effective communications and training/development of department staff consistent with Zoetis leadership practices and values.
• Direct development and training of personnel to consistently achieve timely and decisive resolution of key site investigations including identification of root cause.
• Champion the identification, evaluation, and implementation of cutting-edge science to assure Zoetis is provided with effective and appropriate vaccine manufacturing and analytical platforms.
• Maintain a high level of contemporary knowledge in the technical disciplines appropriate to vaccine development, manufacture, and testing.
• Explore and implement new technology as available.

Education and Experience    

BA/BS or equivalent with 5-8 years of experience OR MBA/MS with 3-6 years of experience OR Minimum of 12 years relevant experience. Degree in a life science, (virology, bacteriology or immunology), or related engineering

Technical Skills Requirements

• Demonstrated competency of scale up operations.
• Demonstrated competency in process engineering, e.g., CFD characterization, equipment flow, process control, equipment commissition, etc.
• Large scale production experience in at least one of the major areas of vaccine manufacturing.
• Demonstrated competency in process and analytical methods development, process/cleaning validation, cell culture, and media optimization.
• Laboratory and/or manufacturing experience in biological manufacturing and/or testing is highly desirable, as well as knowledge of Charles City's antigen production systems, biological product formulation, and/or testing.
• A working knowledge of vaccine production methods and experimental design and experience in GLP or GMP is also desirable.
• Strong knowledge of USDA and EU regulatory systems and Charles City Outlines of Production required.
• Strong technical/analytical skills and possess a high degree of personal motivation.
• Strong oral and written communication, excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to interact across divisional boundaries.
• Strong commitment to product quality, continuous improvement and working knowledge of RFT (Right First Time) and Lean principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate employees to meet defined objectives required.
• Strong commitment to customer service.

Physical Position Requirements

• Must be able to walk, sit, or stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to reach above shoulder level, bend/stoop, kneel, push/pull, and handle/grip frequently.
• Frequent lifting and carrying of 5 to 25 lbs.