Senior Project Leader

Oversee the feasibility and development of complex and globally relevant poultry vaccines, managing projects from proof of concept through registration and the initiation of the industrialization phase. Lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for laboratory and animal studies, as well as the development, validation, and transfer of analytical methods. Leverage extensive expertise in vaccine development and licensing to provide strategic guidance and advisory support to other vaccine projects, while offering technical assistance to cross-functional departments as needed. Represent the organization at professional and scientific conferences by presenting findings and staying informed about advancements in science, technology, and innovation. Actively seek and pursue new opportunities and partnerships to expand Ceva's collaborative network and drive innovation.

Management

Provide comprehensive management oversight for all poultry projects, including supervising project managers, staff, and resources. Ensure effective coordination and execution of tasks across teams to achieve project goals.

Project Oversight

Lead communication between poultry teams within R&D, other departments, and global sites to drive progress on assigned projects. Address technical challenges promptly, escalating issues when necessary. Establish and supervise project plans, budgets, and work prioritization to ensure efficient operations. Maintain active engagement with public institutions, research groups, and key opinion leaders to secure external resources for vaccine development. Represent projects in discussions with regulatory authorities.

Laboratory/Analytical Development

Develop and validate complex, innovative test methods and execute feasibility and proof-of-concept trials. Prepare detailed study plans, reports, and presentations to communicate findings. Serve as a subject matter expert to support and advise other research teams. Stay current on scientific advancements and provide up-to-date knowledge related to R&D pre-projects. Collaborate with the statistics team to ensure robust analysis of study data.

Clinical Development

Oversee clinical activities for assigned projects, including the development of new disease models. Coordinate efforts with poultry teams, internal departments, and external partners, while leading troubleshooting efforts as needed. Serve as a study monitor or study director to ensure clinical trial objectives are achieved.

Compliance

Ensure all laboratory and clinical activities adhere to current scientific standards, quality protocols, and regulatory requirements. Maintain a high standard of compliance to support successful project outcomes.

* Shape solutions out of complexity

* Client focus

* Collaborate with empathy

* Engage and develop

* Drive ambition and accountability

* Influence others

* Expertise in classical virology and microbiology

* Expertise with molecular techniques, including sequencing analysis

* Advanced experience with animal infectious diseases and challenge model development

* Proficient in laboratory study design and data analysis

* Possess a recognized expertise in quality registration activities, plus a broad knowledge of related disciplines, theories and principles. Knowledge of USDA regulations associated with the Center of Veterinary Biologics (Virus Serum Toxin Act).

* Demonstrated ability to collaborate with and influence stakeholders throughout the organization and authorities in order to achieve marketing authorizations.

* Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written (Technical writing- USDA reports, protocol and research reports)

* Ability to manage and develop direct reports

Education - Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology or related field +/- DVM with 10+ years of relevant experience or Masters with 15+ years of experience.

Work Experience - Advanced experience in fields related to poultry vaccine research and development such as: microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, assay development, industrial scale-up methods, etc. Demonstrated deep experience in project management. Ability to work in collaboration with internal and external experts (e.g. academia, research facilities) with recognized expertise in one or more relevant areas.

Direct experience in veterinary biological development and licensure is required

* Able to read, write and communicate in English

* Visual Inspection

N/A

Up to 20%

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties and responsibilities or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not an employment contract. Ceva reserves the right to modify job duties and/or job descriptions at any time to meet the needs of the business.

*VEVRAA Federal Contractor

**Ceva is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Ceva encourages men and women, members of all racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

669B