Chief Veterinary Epidemiologist Job Vacancy in Babati, Tanzania – Animal Health
Job Description
Position: Chief Veterinary Epidemiologist
Company: Zoetis
Location: Babati, Tanzania
Experience: 10+ years
Education: PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Animal Health
Department: Research and Development
Vacancies: 1
Company Overview
Zoetis is a global leader in animal health, dedicated to improving the well-being of livestock and companion animals through innovative medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic tools. With a presence in over 100 countries, we combine cutting-edge science with a deep understanding of animal biology to solve the most pressing challenges in veterinary medicine. Our commitment to sustainability and animal welfare drives us to develop solutions that not only protect animals but also ensure the safety of the global food supply chain. By investing heavily in research and development, Zoetis remains at the forefront of the industry, pioneering breakthroughs in preventative care and treatment. For those seeking high-impact career opportunities in Tanzania, Zoetis offers a collaborative environment where scientific curiosity is encouraged and professional growth is prioritized. We believe that healthy animals lead to a healthier world, and our teams work tirelessly to bridge the gap between laboratory research and field application, ensuring that veterinarians and farmers have the tools they need to succeed in diverse environments.
Job Overview
The Chief Veterinary Epidemiologist will lead the strategic design and implementation of disease surveillance programs across the Manyara region and beyond. This critical role focuses on monitoring zoonotic diseases and livestock epidemics to prevent outbreaks that could devastate local economies and public health. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing complex biological data sets, predicting disease trends, and advising government bodies on biosecurity protocols. This position is a cornerstone of our efforts to expand employment in Tanzania within the specialized scientific sector. You will manage a multidisciplinary team of field researchers and data analysts to ensure that our animal health interventions are evidence-based and scalable. As we expand our footprint, this role will be pivotal in establishing Zoetis as a key partner in Tanzania’s national animal health strategy. For more information on current openings, visit https://tanzaniajobsearch.com to explore how your expertise can make a difference. This role requires a blend of high-level academic rigor and practical field experience, ensuring that theoretical models translate into effective on-the-ground disease control measures.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and oversee comprehensive epidemiological surveillance systems for livestock and wildlife.
- Analyze spatial and temporal data to identify disease hotspots and transmission pathways.
- Collaborate with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to align corporate goals with national health priorities.
- Lead the development of predictive models to forecast the spread of infectious animal diseases.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals to contribute to global veterinary science.
- Manage the regional budget for epidemiological research and field operations.
- Train local veterinary staff on advanced sampling techniques and data collection methods.
- Evaluate the efficacy of new vaccines and therapeutic interventions through controlled field trials.
Required Skills
- Expertise in R, SAS, or Python for advanced statistical analysis and epidemiological modeling.
- Deep knowledge of transboundary animal diseases (TADs) and zoonotic transmission.
- 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 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for disease mapping.
- Ability to operate effectively in remote field conditions.
Education
Candidates must possess a PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology, Public Health, or a closely related field from an accredited international institution. 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 or with tropical animal diseases is highly preferred. Proven success in securing research grants and managing large-scale health surveys is essential for this job vacancy in Tanzania.
Benefits
- Competitive international salary package with comprehensive health insurance.
- Relocation assistance and housing allowance for candidates moving to Babati.
- Performance-based annual bonuses and stock options.
- Generous paid time off and sabbatical opportunities for research.
- Comprehensive pension plan and life insurance coverage.
Training
- Advanced certification in Global Health Security.
- Ongoing professional development in bioinformatics and genomic sequencing.
- Leadership and management training through the Zoetis Executive Program.
- Workshops on the latest WHO and WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) guidelines.
Working Environment
This position involves a hybrid working arrangement. The candidate will spend approximately 60% of their time in a modern office and laboratory setting in Babati and 40% conducting field visits to farms, wildlife reserves, and rural clinics. The role requires resilience and adaptability to navigate the diverse terrains of the Manyara region while maintaining rigorous scientific standards. Hiring in Tanzania for this role means joining a diverse, multicultural team committed to scientific excellence.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit a comprehensive CV, a cover letter detailing their research contributions, and three professional references. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a technical interview followed by a presentation of their previous epidemiological work to a panel of senior scientists. We encourage all qualified professionals looking for jobs in Tanzania to apply through our official portal.
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 nationality. We believe that a variety of perspectives is essential for scientific innovation and the continued improvement of animal health worldwide.
