Position Overview
Zoetis Veterinary Medicine Research and Development in Kalamazoo, MI, is seeking a talented and motivated biologist to join our team as an Associate Scientist. In this role, you will provide bacterial and analytical support for vaccine development, contributing to the advancement of innovative veterinary medicines.
Job Description
This role is primarily laboratory-focused, working within a bacteriology and immunology lab environment. The main duties involve supporting ongoing research projects through hands-on laboratory work and data handling. Key tasks include preparing chemical solutions/microbiological media, organizing and processing clinical samples, performing immunological tests, clinical/diagnostic microbiology, and cultivating bacterial strains for RNA/DNA or protein isolation. Additional responsibilities include maintaining accurate data records, adhering to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, and verifying electronic data entries.
Candidates should exhibit strong laboratory safety practices, proficiency in sterile techniques, and meticulous record-keeping in lab notebooks. The ideal applicant will be highly self-driven, possess analytical and troubleshooting abilities, and demonstrate the capacity to work collaboratively with others. In summary, candidates should possess competency in laboratory techniques, organizational skills, and an adaptable professional approach.
Key Responsibilities
Perform routine bacterial culturing, media preparation, and sterile techniques.
Process tissues and conduct immunoassays (ELISA, Western blot).
Process clinical samples for bacterial identification
Perform routine bacterial identification (MALDI-TOF and biochemical testing)
Assist with routine tissue culture and infection assays.
Assist with PCR, RT-PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, and protein analysis.
Prepare reagents and manage clinical samples.
Maintain accurate lab records and summarize assay results.
Proactively learn new skills, prioritize tasks, and follow protocols.
Support lab maintenance and supply management.
Basic Requirements
Minimum: BS in biology, immunology, vaccinology, microbiology, clinical microbiology or related fields with 1-3 years' industry or clinical laboratory experience.
Knowledge of animal infectious diseases.
Ability to work in a collaborative setting with multiple Project Teams, Project Team Leaders and line representatives to deliver goals.
Flexibility to work weekends and holidays on a rotating basis and travel between sites
Technical Skills
Excellent organizational and communication abilities (verbal and written English) with demonstrated skill in documentation, scientific writing (protocols, reports,) and providing data and study summaries to project teams. Computer skills required: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
Demonstration of initiative and self-motivation, with passion to work in a collaborative and dynamic multi-disciplinary team environment in a global company and able to prioritize work and work efficiently with supervision
Knowledge of vaccine design and development, including clinical microbiology and assay development/execution.
Critical scientific thinking, including a willingness to embrace, evaluate, and enable new technologies for the purpose of improving existing capabilities.
High attention to detail and ability to multitask across multiple projects.
Management of lab supplies and operation of equipment autonomously.
Experience and knowledge with aseptic techniques and/or sterile cell culture procedures.
Desirable:
Experience in bacterial and viral propagation (in vitro and in vivo), veterinary vaccine development, and associated analytical and immunology methods.
Experience in clinical microbiology, bacterial identification and propagation
Molecular expertise or knowledge in molecular recombinant methods, DNA/RNA extraction and expression platforms
Full time
Regular
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