HEAD OF SCIENCE & VETERINARY AFFAIRS

Company Overview

We are building India's first vet-founded therapeutic pet food brand, formulated specifically for Indian dogs and cats, validated through clinical studies in India. Our founding clinician is a UK RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Cardiology with a BVSc from the University of Liverpool and serves as a Senior Vet and department head at a leading Mumbai veterinary hospital.

Job Summary

As the Head of Science & Veterinary Affairs, you will be responsible for all clinical and veterinary aspects of our brand, from formulation to field engagement. This role involves establishing trusting relationships with veterinarians, leading clinical studies, and contributing to scientific publications. You will play a crucial part in shaping a groundbreaking product in the Indian market and will be a pivotal member of the founding team.

Responsibilities

• Veterinary Engagement & Field Leadership

  • Build and manage relationships with approximately 100 key veterinarians through peer clinical conversations backed by scientific evidence.
  • Train and support veterinary sales representatives, serving as the clinical authority they rely on in the field.

• Clinical Studies & Evidence Generation

  • Co-lead clinical studies alongside the Principal Investigator, managing day-to-day operations, data collection, and monitoring of adverse events.
  • Ensure data integrity and timely enrollment at clinical study sites.

• Conference Presence & Scientific Communication

  • Attend and present clinical data at veterinary conferences.
  • Create and write clinical materials, including decision cards, formulation rationales, and prescriber FAQs.

• Formulation & Product Development

  • Maintain the nutritional profiles for new product SKUs and collaborate with R&D on product formulation and modifications.
  • Continuously review emerging literature on therapeutic nutrition and integrate findings into product development.

Qualifications

• Education

  • BVSc or equivalent veterinary degree from a recognized institution.

• Experience

  • Minimum 4 to 6 years of post-qualification clinical or industry experience with significant exposure to small animal medicine.

• Skills

  • Strong ability to read, synthesize, and communicate clinical literature effectively.
  • Excellent written and spoken English for writing research documents and clinical papers.

Preferred Skills

• Post-graduate qualification in veterinary internal medicine, clinical nutrition, or specialization.
• Experience as a named investigator or co-investigator on clinical studies or feeding trials.
• Prior experience in veterinary presentations at conferences, continuing medical education (CME), or academic settings.
• Familiarity with AAFCO/FEDIAF nutritional frameworks and Indian regulatory requirements for therapeutic pet food.
• Experience with an animal health company, pharmaceutical company, or specialty pet food brand.

Experience

• 4 to 6 years of clinical or industry experience is required.

Environment

• This is an in-office role based in Mumbai, India. You will be part of a dynamic and innovative start-up environment.

Salary

• Competitive for a clinical leadership role at an early-stage startup, structured to grow with the business.

Growth Opportunities

• As part of the founding team, you will have the unique opportunity to build something new in India and lead the veterinary field in therapeutic nutrition.

Benefits

• Specific benefits are not provided but are typically offered in early-stage startup environments.