Research Director – Biologics Formulation Development

**Location:** Kalamazoo, MI, USA

(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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