Upstream Development Lab Operations Support, Associate Scientist / Senior Associate Scientist at Zoetis

Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Junior (1 to 2 years), Mid-level (3 to 4 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Animal Health, BiotechnologyIndustries

Requirements

Strong aseptic technique and hands-on mammalian cell culture
Comfort with bench/mid-scale bioreactors
Familiarity with chromatography and filtration modalities
Reliability and trustworthiness: execute consistently and relay detailed information accurately
Organization and coordination: keep many moving parts aligned and close loops proactively
Familiarity with ELN/LIMS and lab coordination tools; Excel/Sheets fluency; interest in simple automation
Awareness of cGxP in R&D settings; exposure to tech transfer helpful
Curiosity about connected labs: networked instruments, basic data architecture concepts, and data integrity
BS in Biochemistry, Molecular/Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering or related field + 0 years with strong internship/co-op/academic lab experience to 4+ years industry experience
Or MS in related field + 0 to 2+ years industry experience

Responsibilities

Support material generations: maintain cell cultures; operate and sample bioreactors; assist with harvest, purification, and polishing
Execute targeted bioprocess studies: support lead scientists by running small-scale experiments, sensor/PAT evaluations, basic assay development, and troubleshooting with guidance
Make labs run reliably: manage inventory and scheduling; perform safety checks and calibrations; keep documentation clear and current
Ready equipment: track status and PMs, troubleshoot issues, and ensure instruments and materials are fit-for-use; maintain visible status labels/logs and communicate updates promptly
Document with rigor: complete batch records and ELN entries, update SOPs, and provide concise, action-oriented updates that build trust
Coordinate shared resources and schedules: reconcile equipment availability with experiment plans; flag conflicts early; keep teams aligned with clear, visible schedules
Build modern tools: stand up simple trackers, dashboards, and templates that improve schedule clarity, reduce stockouts, and increase visibility
Contribute to digital/data practices: help connect instruments, improve data capture at the source, and partner on basic data flows
Collaborate closely with supervising/lead scientists to align priorities, receive mentorship, and ensure high-quality execution

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Cell CultureBioreactor OperationHarvestingPurificationPAT SensorsAssay DevelopmentTroubleshootingInventory ManagementELNSOPsBatch RecordsLab SafetyData Capture

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What qualifications are required for this Associate Scientist / Senior Associate Scientist role?

Candidates need a BS in Biochemistry, Molecular/Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering or related field with 0 years and strong internship/co-op/academic lab experience to 4+ years industry experience, or an MS with 0 to 2+ years industry experience.

What are the key technical skills needed for this position?

The role requires strong aseptic technique and hands-on mammalian cell culture, comfort with bench/mid-scale bioreactors, familiarity with chromatography and filtration modalities, and familiarity with ELN/LIMS and lab coordination tools.

Is this a remote position or does it require on-site work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What soft skills or qualities make a strong candidate for this lab operations role?

Strong candidates demonstrate reliability and trustworthiness by executing consistently and relaying information accurately, organization and coordination to keep moving parts aligned, and the ability to collaborate closely with lead scientists while building trust through clear communication.