Scientist/Senior Scientist – Assay Development

Role Description

Job Summary: Zoetis is a leading global health company dedicated to supporting veterinarians with a unique portfolio of cutting-edge products focused on prediction, detection, prevention, and treatment of animal health conditions. Our team in Durham is rapidly expanding and seeking passionate, talented, and experienced scientists to drive the development of state-of-the-art diagnostic solutions that empower veterinarians to make accurate, safe, and impactful medical decisions.

As part of the dynamic Product Development team, you will collaborate closely with our Research groups. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to pioneering predictive, diagnostic, monitoring, and prognostic products that improve animal care worldwide.

We are looking for motivated individuals dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine through innovation. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with exposure to diverse technologies, new product development, and multiple therapeutic areas—working across global teams and functions.

At Zoetis, we believe in “doing the right thing for the right reason,” encourage open communication with “speaking up,” and know that “teamwork makes the dreamwork.” If you share these values and want to make a meaningful impact through collaboration and integrity, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, and immunology in the design and execution of experiments to advance the development of new products.
• Develop and optimize assays for diagnostic applications while maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity and quality—always doing the right thing for the right reason.
• Perform benchtop experiments using wet lab techniques for innovative bioassays with meticulous attention to detail and ethical standards.
• Collaborate with systems engineers to integrate hardware, software, consumables, and assays for diagnosis and monitoring, embracing teamwork to achieve seamless solutions.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams and contribute to a culture where everyone feels empowered to speak up and share ideas.
• Execute product verification and validation studies to ensure assay accuracy and reproducibility meet specifications; draft protocols and reports with accountability and thoroughness.
• Analyze data, interpret and present findings to management and stakeholders, encouraging open dialogue and feedback to promote continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records reflecting our commitment to integrity and doing the right thing for the right reason.
• Support multiple projects simultaneously and contribute to regulatory and customer documentation within a collaborative and respectful team environment.
• Maintain laboratory spaces responsibly—including cleaning, inventory management, and equipment upkeep—showing respect for shared resources and reinforcing that teamwork makes the dreamwork.
• Demonstrate strong emotional intelligence, including the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, empathize with colleagues, and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics effectively.

Educational Qualifications:

Scientist

• BA/BS in a scientific discipline related to biological and chemistry assay development. Minimum of 3 years of laboratory experience in assay development in the pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics or related industries.
• MA/MS in a scientific discipline related to biological and chemistry assay development. Minimum of 2 year of laboratory experience in assay development in the pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics or related industries.

Senior Scientist

• BA/BS or MA/MS in a scientific discipline related to biological and chemistry assay development. Minimum of 4-6 years of laboratory experience in assay development in the pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics or related industries.
• PhD in a scientific discipline related to biological and chemistry assay development. 0-2 years of laboratory experience in assay development in the pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics or related industries.

Technical Qualifications:

• Expertise in immunoassay, chemistry, and biomarker assay development (ligand binding assays, spectrophotometry, wet chemistry).
• Strong knowledge of biosafety protocols and safe specimen handling.
• Excellent oral, written, and technical communication skills.
• Proactive self-starter, able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, multitasking, and organizational skills.
• Proficient in statistical soft