Research Director - Biologics Formulation Development

(Global role with cross-site responsibilities)

Position Summary

Zoetis R&D is seeking a dynamic and experienced Research Director to lead a global team advancing innovative pharmaceutical, biopharmaceuticals and vaccine products across species. The successful candidate will be a strategic, people-focused leader with a proven track record in drug product development, technology transfer, and cross-cultural team management. This role will guide a diverse, multinational group of scientists and collaborate with Research, Development, Quality, Regulatory and Manufacturing teams to bring breakthrough therapies to market.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & People Development :

• Lead and develop a high-performing, multicultural team across Kalamazoo (USA), Lincoln (USA), and Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium).
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and accountability across global sites.
• Coach and mentor scientific and technical staff, ensuring continued growth and technical excellence.

Strategic Portfolio Advancement :

• Partner closely with Therapeutic Area (TA) and Species Leaders in Research to align development priorities with business strategy.
• Collaborate with CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing & Controls) Development, Quality, and Manufacturing stakeholders to ensure robust, efficient, and compliant technology transfer from R&D to commercial manufacturing.
• Drive CMC excellence across modalities-small molecules, biologics, and vaccines.

Technical & Operational Expertise :

• Provide scientific and technical direction in formulation, process development, and scale-up for pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical products and vaccines.
• Lead and oversee technology transfer to manufacturing sites, ensuring process robustness and regulatory compliance.
• Contribute to due diligence, product lifecycle management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Global Collaboration & Influence :

• Interface effectively with global stakeholders across R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality organizations.
• Partner with leaders across the US, Europe, and India to align strategy, share best practices, and deliver integrated portfolio outcomes.
• Communicate complex scientific and strategic concepts clearly across different levels of the organization.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education :

• Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Formulation Sciences, or related discipline with 15+ years of relevant industry experience; or
• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical / Formulation Scineces with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.

Experience & Expertise :

• Demonstrated success in people and matrix leadership within a global R&D environment.
• Proven experience in technology transfer from R&D to Manufacturing for pharmaceuticals, biologics (mAbs), and / or vaccines.
• Strong understanding of CMC development, regulatory expectations, and product lifecycle management.
• Exposure to working with and leading teams across the US, Europe, and India.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a strong execution mindset.
• Empathetic, inspiring leader who cultivates talent and diversity.
• Agile, culturally sensitive collaborator across geographies and disciplines.
• Results-oriented professional passionate about advancing animal health innovation.

Full time

Regular

Colleague

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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.

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