R&D Senior Scientist

About the role

The R&D Senior Scientist will lead veterinary vaccine research programs, providing scientific autonomy and serving as a subject‑matter expert in animal immunology and vaccine platforms. The role drives experimental design, regulatory data package generation and cross‑functional collaboration to support USDA CVB licensure and international approvals.

Key responsibilities

• Lead multiple veterinary vaccine R&D programs from concept through regulatory filing.
• Serve as scientific lead for target species (bovine, swine, equine, aquaculture) or vaccine platform workstreams.
• Design and oversee comprehensive animal vaccination‑challenge studies; interpret efficacy, safety and immunogenicity data.
• Author USDA CVB regulatory submissions, including outlines of production, study designs, license applications and test method filings.
• Represent R&D in cross‑functional project teams, regulatory meetings and interactions with USDA CVB, CROs and academic partners.
• Drive immunological assay development, validation and technology transfer for product release testing.
• Monitor competitive veterinary biologics landscape and emerging disease threats; advise portfolio strategy.
• Provide scientific mentorship, coaching and training to Scientists I‑IV and contribute to talent development.
• Manage a team of 2‑5 scientists and oversee CRO relationships for outsourced studies.
• Present program progress, regulatory strategy and scientific recommendations to senior leadership.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, Animal Science, Virology or related field with 5+ years post‑doctoral/industry experience, OR Master’s degree with 8+ years progressive animal‑health industry experience.
• Proven track record leading veterinary vaccine research programs and delivering regulatory‑grade preclinical data packages for USDA CVB or equivalent.
• Deep expertise in target animal immunology, veterinary pathogen biology or correlates of protection.
• Experience with multiple veterinary vaccine platforms and target species.

Required skills

• Veterinary vaccine development
• Immunological assay development and validation
• GMP‑compliant quality systems
• USDA CVB regulatory submission preparation
• Animal vaccination‑challenge study design
• CRO relationship management
• Data interpretation of efficacy, safety and immunogenicity