Zoetis Inc

Principal Scientist/Senior Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry

Zoetis Inc • $120K — $150K *
Kalamazoo, MI 49009In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry with 8+ years of industry experience in process chemistry R&D.
  • At least 2 years of leadership experience managing teams or projects.
  • Broad expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry and innovative solutions for synthetic challenges.
  • Extensive hands-on experience in multi-kilogram scale API manufacturing and technology transfer.
  • Proficiency in chemical literature searching and compound characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and scale-up of chemical syntheses for veterinary therapeutics.
  • Independently optimize synthetic processes from mg to multi-kilogram scale.
  • Develop impurity control strategies for product quality and regulatory compliance.
  • Act as a scientific resource and provide strategic direction for multiple projects.
  • Champion novel experimental approaches and drive digital transformation initiatives in Process Chemistry.

Benefits

  • Mentorship and career development support.
  • Collaboration opportunities with cross-functional teams globally.
  • Engagement in innovative and impactful research projects.
Full Job Description
Role Description

Position Summary:

The Principal Scientist / Senior Principal Scientist is an experienced scientific leader within process chemistry, leveraging advanced knowledge across multiple disciplines to innovate, troubleshoot, and optimize complex chemical syntheses and scale-up processes. This role requires a highly motivated and independent leader with a proven track record in pharmaceutical or veterinary medicine research and development, capable of driving projects from lead candidate identification through commercial process technical transfer. The successful candidate will lead multi-disciplinary teams, applying deep technical and functional expertise to independently design and execute complex experiments and projects, often in ambiguous situations with significant uncertainty. As a key scientific resource, incumbent influences strategic direction, drives novel experimental approaches across multiple projects, and ensures alignment of work with departmental and organizational goals. The role demands strong people management skills, including mentoring, coaching, and career development of colleagues, while championing productivity improvements and fostering collaboration across functions. Additionally, the candidate may serve as a project leader for various corporate initiatives, providing strategic direction and driving alignment with broader organizational objectives in a global setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Lead process chemistry efforts, including design, development, and scale-up of chemical syntheses for novel veterinary therapeutics.
  • Independently design, scale-up, and optimize synthetic processes from mg to multi-kilogram scale.
  • Apply the principles of green chemistry in API process design to select safer solvents and reagents, minimize waste, reduce environmental impact and improve overall efficiency.
  • Develop and execute impurity control strategies to ensure product quality, safety and regulatory compliance
  • Provide strategic direction and support across multiple projects simultaneously, acting as a scientific resource and technical leader within the group.
  • Lead technology transfer activities to commercial manufacturing facilities ensuring processes are safe, robust, economical, and environmentally responsible.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, understanding the significance and impact of decisions on project progression. Make recommendations to management regarding key sensitive and high impact decisions; involves stakeholders in important decisions affecting them.
  • Prepare and review technical and regulatory documentation, including CMC dossiers and development reports.
  • Develop and implement innovative strategies, tools, and technologies for continuous process improvement.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive digital transformation initiatives in Process Chemistry.
  • Champion novel experimental approaches and business management tools to enhance productivity and impact.
  • Mentor and supervise colleagues, providing guidance, coaching, and career development support.
  • Represent the chemistry function on global research project teams and develop constructive relationships with internal and external partners.
  • Contribute to intellectual property strategy, including the protection and filing of small molecule IP.


Requirements:
  • Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry with minimum of 8 years of industry experience in pharmaceutical or veterinary medicine, process chemistry research and development, and at least 2 years of leadership experience managing teams or projects.
  • Broad expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, with a track record of strategic and innovative solutions to synthetic problems. Proficiency in chemical literature searching (SciFinder, Reaxys, etc.), and in compound characterization and spectral analysis (HPLC, GC, NMR, UV, LC-MS).
  • Extensive hands-on experience in process chemistry scale-up, including multi-kilogram scale API manufacturing and technology transfer.
  • Experience with technical and operational risk assessments (e.g., process robustness/FMEA, mutagenic impurities, nitrosamines, PFAS, E&L, etc.).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively influence project teams, external partners, and management.
  • Working knowledge of ICH guidelines and cGMP requirements.
  • Knowledge of process safety requirements and regulations (such as OSHA, REACH, and other relevant standards) applicable to chemical manufacturing and API processes.
  • Experience with automated laboratory reactors and data-rich experimentation, Design of Experiments (DOE), Quality by Design (QbD) concepts
  • Experience working in dynamic global environments and collaborating with contract organizations (CROs/CMOs/CDMOs).
  • Knowledge of small molecule intellectual property strategies and filings.


Preferred/Plus Qualifications
  • Post-doctoral experience.
  • Experience with animal health Industry and veterinary medicine drug development.
  • Experience with the development and implementation of continuous flow manufacturing processes.
  • Experience with data analytics, digital transformation, and use of AI/ML in Process Chemistry.


Full time

Regular

Colleague

About Zoetis Inc

Zoetis Inc Careers

Join the dynamic team at Zoetis Inc, a global leader in animal health services, where innovation, leadership, and care converge to advance animal healthcare worldwide. At Zoetis, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that foster professional growth and personal achievement.

Work You’ll Do

At Zoetis Inc, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, innovation, and leadership. Our team is committed to delivering targeted solutions that enhance animal health through a broad range of products and services. As a member of our team, you will collaborate with skilled professionals to drive change and lead the industry in strategic directions.

Career Growth and Development

Zoetis Inc is dedicated to the professional growth of its employees. We provide extensive training and development programs, including leadership training and diversity workshops, to ensure our team members are equipped for success in their careers and are prepared to meet the challenges of the global market.

Innovative Work Environment

Our commitment to innovation is at the core of our operations. Zoetis Inc is a place where creative thinking and practical solutions meet to create a thriving work environment. Our employees are encouraged to pursue innovative projects that align with our mission of nurturing the world and humankind by advancing animal care.

Join Our Team

Explore job opportunities and open positions across various fields within Zoetis Inc. Whether you’re looking for a professional role in scientific research, marketing, sales, or customer service, we have a position that will match your skills and passions. Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with Zoetis Inc through our internship programs. Gain hands-on experience, develop essential industry skills, and build a professional network that will serve as a valuable resource throughout your career. Internships at Zoetis are a gateway to full-time employment and offer a unique insight into the animal health industry.

Benefits and Culture

Choosing a career at Zoetis Inc means more than just employment. It means being part of a team that values your well-being and professional development. Our employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their health, well-being, and financial future. At Zoetis, you’ll work in an inclusive environment that fosters a sense of belonging and encourages collaborative and independent work.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest career tips, industry insights, and company news—all from the people who work at Zoetis Inc. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences.

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your career? Search for open positions that match your skills and interests on our Jobs at Zoetis Inc page. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and join a world-leading team in animal health.

Zoetis Inc—Where Careers Grow

At Zoetis Inc, we’re not just about animal health; we’re about supporting your health and career ambitions. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await you in a company that’s committed to growth, innovation, and leadership in the animal health industry.
Learn more about Zoetis Inc
Size
12,100 employees
Market Cap
$67.3 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$1.6 billion
5 Year Trend
+9.7%
Revenue
$6.6 billion
NASDAQ
ZTS
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Zoetis Inc

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Principal Scientist/Senior Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry jobs:

NationwideKalamazoo, MI