Chief Veterinary Epidemiologist Job Vacancy in Marsabit, Kenya – Animal Health and Livestock Biotechnology

Job Description

Position: Chief Veterinary Epidemiologist

Company: Zoetis

Location: Marsabit, Kenya

Experience: 10+ years

Education: PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology or Public Health

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Animal Health and Livestock Biotechnology

Department: Research and Development (R&D)

Vacancies: 1

Company Overview

Zoetis is a global leader in animal health, dedicated to improving the well-being of livestock and companion animals through cutting-edge pharmaceutical research and diagnostic tools. As a company that operates at the intersection of science and care, Zoetis focuses on developing innovative vaccines and medicines that prevent and treat diseases, ensuring food security and public health safety. In Kenya, our operations are focused on supporting the livestock sector, which is a cornerstone of the national economy. We strive to empower farmers and veterinarians with the knowledge and tools required to maintain healthy herds and optimize production. By integrating advanced biotechnology with local expertise, Zoetis is redefining the standards of animal healthcare across East Africa. Our commitment to sustainability and scientific excellence makes us a preferred employer for those seeking high-impact career opportunities in Kenya, where we combine global resources with a deep understanding of regional challenges.

Job Overview

The Chief Veterinary Epidemiologist will lead the strategic design and execution of disease surveillance programs in the Marsabit region, focusing on transboundary animal diseases and zoonotic threats. This role is critical for identifying emerging pathogens and implementing data-driven control strategies to protect livestock populations. The successful candidate will manage a multidisciplinary team of researchers and field technicians, bridging the gap between laboratory findings and practical field application. This position offers a unique chance for professionals seeking employment in Kenya to lead high-level scientific initiatives that directly impact regional food security. You will be responsible for analyzing complex epidemiological data to predict disease outbreaks and advising government bodies on policy changes. For those exploring the latest Kenya Jobs, this role represents a pinnacle of scientific leadership in the veterinary sector. The role requires a blend of academic rigor and the ability to operate in remote, challenging environments to ensure the health of the livestock ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive disease surveillance systems for livestock in Northern Kenya.
• Lead the analysis of epidemiological data to identify trends, risk factors, and transmission dynamics of animal diseases.
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to align company research with national health priorities.
• Oversee the collection and quality control of biological samples from diverse field sites.
• Develop predictive models to forecast potential outbreaks of zoonotic diseases.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals to contribute to global animal health knowledge.
• Manage the departmental budget for field research and laboratory diagnostics.
• Mentor and train junior epidemiologists and field staff on advanced sampling techniques.

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Required Skills

• Expertise in R, SAS, or Python for advanced statistical analysis of epidemiological data.
• Deep knowledge of transboundary animal diseases (TADs) prevalent in East Africa.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of managing scientific teams.
• Excellent communication skills for presenting complex data to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for spatial disease mapping.
• Ability to operate effectively in remote and arid environments.
• Strong project management skills and experience with grant writing.

Education

The candidate must possess a PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology, Veterinary Public Health, or a closely related field from a recognized international university. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree is also required as a foundational qualification.

Experience

A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in veterinary epidemiology is required, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or principal investigator role. Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa and a history of managing large-scale field trials are highly desirable for this job vacancy in Kenya.

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Benefits

• Competitive international-standard salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance for the employee and dependents.
• Relocation package and housing allowance for the Marsabit region.
• Generous annual leave and paid sabbatical opportunities for research.
• Access to global professional networks and international conferences.
• Company vehicle and field equipment allowance.

Training

• Advanced certification in Bio-informatics and Genomic Sequencing.
• Leadership and Management training through the Zoetis Global Academy.
• Specialized training in One Health frameworks and zoonotic disease management.
• Cultural competency and safety training for remote field operations.

Working Environment

This position is based in Marsabit, involving a mix of office-based strategic planning and extensive field travel to remote livestock grazing areas. The environment is challenging due to the arid climate and rugged terrain, requiring resilience and adaptability. The candidate will work closely with local pastoralist communities, requiring a respectful and collaborative approach to scientific data collection.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive CV, a cover letter detailing their research achievements, and three professional references. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a technical interview followed by a presentation of their previous epidemiological work. We are actively hiring in Kenya and look for candidates who demonstrate both scientific excellence and a passion for animal welfare.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Zoetis is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, religion, gender, or background. We encourage qualified professionals from all walks of life to apply for this position and explore the rewarding career opportunities in Kenya we provide.