Job Location: China

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

• This position is based in Suzhou or Beijing and provides strategic and scientific leadership in Research and Development to the China R&D Teams, composed of scientists, clinicians, regulatory, project management, and administration groups.
• The objective is to leverage the Zoetis laboratories in China (with locations in Beijing and Suzhou) and the Global R&D network, as well as external expertise and capabilities, to identify new biological substrates and technologies to develop innovative vaccines addressing the needs of pet owners and livestock producers in China. In addition, the role will support the technical transfer of those vaccines to Global Manufacturing and Supply.
• The role is a key representative for R&D to the local leadership for the operations in China, with frequent interactions with the General Manager and Site Head for Manufacturing.
• This position reports to the Vice-President of R&D, based in Kalamazoo (USA).
• 20% travels expected, mainly in China, US and Europe

• Advanced degree (DVM and/or PhD), with very strong scientific acumen in the realm of animal science, immunology, GMOs and vaccinology.
• Minimum of 15 years of broad multi-national animal health experience, with previous education and/or work assignments in China and US or Europe.
• Good understanding of the animal health business and regulatory landscape in China, US and EU.
• Successful track record of bringing R&D biological candidates to market through key milestones, on time and on budget.
• Demonstrated experience of successfully leading teams that deliver innovative solutions to animal health problems and delivery of corporate goals.
• Ability to manage multiple functions and to engage/influence senior executives and Key Opinion Leaders (particularly in China).
• Demonstrate versatility with R&D governance, decision-making processes and navigation in a matrix organization to create internal alignment.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills in Chinese (fluency) and English.
• Comfortable in project management, relationship building and consultative skills.

Technical duties

Provide strategic and technical leaderships to the China R&D Team by:

• Partnering with the China Commercial Operations, understand and translate the customers' needs into the selection of biologicals assets for vaccine development.
• Leverage strong scientific background and global R&D network to identify best technologies and biological substrates to develop new vaccines in China, in compliance with the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture regulatory requirements.
• Provide day-to-day scientific directions to the China R&D Team, with a focus on problem solving, and manage all operational duties, including compliance with corporate and local regulations.
• Apply leading-edge technical, functional and industry knowledge to guide project teams in the design and execution of experiments for the development of animal vaccines.
• Support the successful transition of process, analytical, and formulation approaches into manufacturing for scale up activities.
• Ensure that timely and quality decisions are made pertaining to project progression, incorporation and or termination. Track and forecast project spending and resource through appropriate communication platforms.
• Establish, deploy and maintain key performance indicators related to Team's operations and based off the target defined with the R&D Leadership Team.

Duties in Innovation, Continuous Improvement and Risk-Taking

• Provide leadership in seeking and managing external R&D alliances, by building and nurturing a strong network of external expertise and capabilities in China to complement and enhance the local research and development efforts.
• Encourage innovation through identifying, validating and proposing investments in research, technology platforms, alliances and businesses to benefit local and potentially global projects.
• Provide R&D input on technology assessment and business development opportunities.
• Leverage the geographic location of the position in China to seek advanced innovative sciences and/or technologies emerging in China, that will change and drive the Animal Health industry looking 10+ years out.
• Encourage, coach and recognize others to take appropriate risks.
• Develop and nurture a culture of continuous development at the China Labs, with direct impact on project progressions and operation effectiveness.

Business Alignment

• Collaborate and interface with Global R&D network, Zoetis China organization, as well as with internal and external customers to achieve joint targets/goals.
• Communicate to R&D governance body the China R&D programs, risks, goals and resource utilization.
• Align across Zoetis by driving appropriate leverage of talent, facilities, processes and know how.

People Management and Leadership

• Develop Team objectives, monitor progress and provide timely feedback to staff, allocate priorities, and assess resource requirements.
• Assess the technical and development needs of the China R&D Team and develop the talent base through targeted hiring, training, secondments and mentoring.
• Proven track report of people development and retention.
• Build a culture of excellence in the China R&D Team by embodying and championing the Zoetis' leaders' values.

Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products, genetic tests, biodevices and a range of services. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2016, the company generated annual revenue of $4.9 billion with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com