Senior Scientist - Ligand Binding Assays (LBA)
Zoetis

The Zoetis Global Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism & Safety (GPDMS) group in Kalamazoo, MI is recruiting a talented scientist to join our team to contribute to the identification and selection of new drug candidates. This position will require a highly motivated and independent scientist who can effectively collaborate with other team members to advance projects. Specifically, we are looking for a scientist to join our bioanalytical team focusing on development and fit-for-purpose validation of ligand binding assays (LBAs) to quantify biopharmaceuticals in support of our companion animal and livestock species portfolios.

Responsibilities:

• Independent hands-on development and fit-for-purpose validation of LBAs to quantify biopharmaceuticals in biological matrices such as serum, milk, tissue, and cell culture.

• Represent the GPDMS team on project teams to ensure the right assay is built to answer the question at hand.

• Work with external and internal partners to evaluate reagents used in the development of LBAs.

• Work with project teams, study directors, and biomarker scientists to provide assay support to studies within agreed upon timelines.

• Mentor junior level scientists and provide leadership around various LBA methodologies. Provide guidance and troubleshoot problems with assays or instrumentation when they occur. Provide critical review of data.

• Prepare reports and present methodologies and results to scientific teams, scientific meetings, and management.

• Participate/lead continuous improvement and innovation efforts within the bioanalytical group.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS (with 5 - 10 years of relevant experience), M.S. (3 - 5 years of relevant experience), or Ph.D. (0 - 2 years of relevant experience) in biotechnology, biochemistry, or related field.

• Hands-on experience developing LBA methods using various platforms (Gyrolab Bioaffy CD-based assays, Meso Scale Discovery Electrochemiluminescence (MSD-ECL) platform, ELISA, etc.).

• Demonstrated ability to develop, optimize, and validate LBA methods for quantitative analysis of analytes in biological matrices (serum, milk, tissue, cell culture, etc). Understanding of quality expectations and regulatory guidance around LBAs.

• Exhibits enthusiasm for understanding biology, bioanalytical assay development, and has a high degree of attention to detail.

• Ability to work effectively as both an individual contributor and in a collaborative team setting.

• Track record of successfully troubleshooting issues that arise during bioanalytical assay development, qualification, validation, and sample analysis.

• Experience with the proper handling and storage of therapeutic and biomarker biological samples and associated critical reagents.

• Experience documenting lab activities in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) (e.g. IDBS E-Workbook).

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Desired Skill Sets:

• Experience in all aspects of immunoassay development including antigen and antibody selection, antibody matched pair screening/optimization, and binding kinetics.

• Knowledge of antibody productions, purification, and conjugation.

• Familiarity with non-antibody affinity critical reagents.

• Proven track record of successfully troubleshooting/ problem solving assay issues and complex data sets.

• Familiarity with orthogonal assay techniques like LCMS.

• Experience working within a regulated laboratory setting (GLPs, LIMS systems, guidance for industry documents).

• Interest and experience in training/mentoring laboratory peers.

• Interest in laboratory continuous improvement to improve efficiency of collection and quality of data generated.

• Interest in leveraging automation to conduct routine laboratory activities.

• Familiarity with Design of Experiment (DOE) methodology.

Full time

Regular

Colleague

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