Senior Scientist – Lyophilization and Pilot Specialist

Role Description

For the Drug Product Pilot Plant in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, Zoetis is looking for a Senior Scientist – Lyophilization/Pilot Specialist.

The Senior Scientist – Lyophilization/Pilot Specialist is responsible for developing lyophilization processes for new products, supporting new product development projects, and actively contributing to Pilot Plant GMP manufacturing operations. The role requires strong cross-functional collaboration across sites and time zones, and the ability to work autonomously in a development environment as well as hands-on in GMP areas (including grade A/B). A strong mastery of lyophilization theory is expected (e.g., nucleation, Tg′, collapse temperature and key critical process parameters impacting product quality).

Key accountabilities/responsibilities for this role include:

•       Develop lyophilization (freeze-drying) cycles and methods for new products, from feasibility to robust process definition.

•       Plan, execute, and document development studies; analyze results and translate data into clear recommendations for next steps.

•       Provide at least theoretical mastery of core lyophilization-related equipment and analytical tools (e.g., freeze-dryer operation principles, product probes such as Tempris, Karl Fischer moisture, DSC, electron microscopy) and ensure appropriate use in development work.

•       Own and manage a development area in autonomy, including organization, equipment readiness, and good documentation practices.

•       Represent the Pilot Plant / LLN in development meetings with stakeholders from R&D, Quality, and other functions; communicate progress, risks, and decisions clearly.

•       Lead project development and transfer aspects of new product (scope, timelines, deliverables, meeting cadence, and action follow-up) in a multi-site environment.

•       Identify, evaluate and implement novel technologies which may be incorporated into expertise area

Pilot Plant GMP manufacturing support:

•       Actively participate in Pilot Plant production operations, including routine presence and work in GMP areas.

•       Responsible for the drug product scale-up and tech transfer activities

•       Coordinates technical transfer activities and the use of manufacturing facilities for VMRD functions, including production of PLS/VICH drug product batches

•       Perform GMP gowning and follow GMP behaviors and requirements (cleaning, environmental monitoring awareness, and compliance with procedures).

•       Complete the required qualification and be able to enter and work in Grade B areas, in line with site training and qualification requirements.

•       Support production activities such as material preparation, equipment preparation/assembly, cleaning and sterilization, tank cleaning, and execution of unit operations.

•       Contribute to formulation activities in GMP and non-GMP environments, including activities linked to graded areas.

•       Work under RABS when applicable and support filling activities, including hands-on work on a graded filling line within GMP areas.

Desired Skills and Experience:

•       Master’s degree (or PhD) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

•       Proven experience in lyophilization process development and/or sterile product development within a regulated environment (GMP experience is strongly preferred).

•       Understanding of biochemistry, degradation pathways, and general approaches for antigen and protein stabilization

•       Experience in handling protein formulations

•       Expertise with liquid and lyophilized drug product scale-up, tech transfer activities

•       Exposure to relevant regulatory guidelines and product/process development and registration

•       Well-versed with Quality and EHS requirements

•       Ability and willingness to perform hands-on activities in GMP areas, including the requirements associated with working in graded areas (up to and including Grade B).

•       Strong scientific rigor: experimental design, data interpretation, and clear technical writing/documentation.

•       Project mindset: ability to manage priorities, timelines, and stakeholders across multiple sites and time zones.

•       Strong collaboration and communication skills; comfortable interacting with scientific and Quality stakeholders.

•       Autonomous, structured, and safety/quality minded in daily execution.

•       Fluent in French and English

•       Demonstrated problem solving skills and ability to perform in a team-based environment.

Interested ?

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply through the local/internal recruitment process and share your CV according to the LLN site guidelines.

Notice: Zoetis Recruiters will contact candidates via email from an address ending in @zoetis.com and may also initially connect with candidates through LinkedIn, including LinkedIn InMail. Zoetis does not use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or other web-based/generic email domains to communicate about job opportunities, interviews, or offers of employment. If you receive a recruitment-related email message claiming to be from Zoetis that does not come from @zoetis.com, please treat it as suspicious. For your security, do not reply, click links, open attachments, share personal or financial information, or send money in response to unexpected or questionable recruitment communications.