Senior Associate Poultry Technical Services

States Considered:  NC

POSITION SUMMARY

The U.S. Poultry Technical Services and Diagnostics Services team provides diagnostics, research and development, outcomes research, and biodevice support through theoretical and applied scientific evaluations.  The Senior Associate Poultry Technical Services is part of the Technical Services team and will collaborate  with colleagues representing the Zoetis Avian Research Center (ARC), Diagnostic Services and Clinical/Outcomes Research.  Responsibilities focus primarily on supporting study/protocol design, logistics implementation and execution of Commercial Poultry Clinical and Outcomes Research trials and developing the resulting data into presentations for scientific and customer meetings.  This position will also be responsible for supporting day to day operations of the Durham NC laboratory in conducting PCR assays, bacteriology as well as other activities supporting the Zoetis Biodevice and Biologicals portfolio.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Outcomes/Clinical Research and Biodevice Support 

• Coordinate with OR/CR on study development and implementation for bios and devices, and execute diagnostics for those studies/protocols.  
• Technical writing and SOP implementations across all poultry biologicals and biodevices
• Prepare samples/materials for supported OR/CR studies. 
• Support interpretation of diagnostic results, in collaboration with the technical and research teams. 
• Collaborate in developing, validating and implementing new surveys and processes to support existing and new products. 
• Identify and propagate virus and bacteria for challenge.
• Help administer vaccines and challenge stocks; collection of study samples for testing. 
• Responsible for all trial start ups and terminations at the Aviation Research Center (ARC)
• Liaison between ARC and Poultry Technical Services team
• Ensure all trials conducted in manners that meet International Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUCs) requirements
• Manage all animal transportation and set up for animals needed at the ARC and for any other Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

Veterinary Medical R&D Support

• Track diagnostic findings to identify elements of importance to animal health applications (e.g., new strains; shifts in strain virulence, etc.).
• Manage historical records of diagnostic findings.
• Serve as the site contact and support for VMRD studies/tests, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with VMRD on study development and implementation, and investigation of new methodologies.

Diagnostics Services

• Manage and ensure all diagnostic lab data is communicated in a timely manner to US Commercial Sales and  Services Team
• Perform diagnostic tests for US poultry customers including mold survey evaluations, bacterial identifications and PCR.  
• Assay development/validation, study sampling/testing, and management of biological samples transfer. 
• Work closely with customers and technical colleagues to provide top-quality diagnostic services that  are accurate, precise and expedient.  
• Work with third-party diagnostic providers to ensure full value diagnostics are achieved with each sample (e.g., coordination of multiple diagnostics from single sample) 
• Improve current testing and develop new testing capabilities in coordination with Outcomes Research (OR); Field Veterinarians (US and Canada); Clinical Research; Technical Services; third-party consultants; various university lab personnel. 
• Point of contact for university labs for E. coli and Salmonella
• Assist commercial team in the discovery and evaluation of new technology (e.g., bio devices, POC). 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• BS or BA required, relevant advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of executing commercial poultry field trials and laboratory studies; managing and interpreting data and related technical, microbiology and/or diagnostics experience required
• Computer experience:  Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, LIMS.

TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience working in laboratory environment, designing/implementing studies and developing/conducting diagnostic tests.
• Ability to apply technical skills and functional knowledge independently and proactively.
• Demonstrated ability to be a team player, and organize and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced, changing environment, and deliver high performance and quality on deadline.
• Demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, accountability, willingness to accept challenges & embrace chan