Senior Principal Scientist, R&D (Biotech)
Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across three continents. While we work in science, there's no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that's the kind of work we want to be part of.
The Senior Principal Scientist, R&D will lead innovative research in cell culture technologies, specifically passionate about advancing cell and gene therapy applications. This hands-on role requires an individual who can drive innovative R&D projects from concept to execution with minimal direction. As a key contributor to novel cell culture workstreams, the candidate will craft and perform experiments, analyze data, and translate findings into actionable insights. The position involves significant lab work (50-75%) and will require supervising remote teams to ensure project goals are met. Additionally, the scientist will introduce new analytical tools and approaches to accelerate the research process, while mentoring external collaborators to ensure smooth execution across various sites.
Key responsibilities:
Design and execute experiments vital to test novel reagents, cell culture components, culture instrumentation and equipment, and analytical equipment for primary cells and cell lines that are applied in cell and gene therapy applications.
Coordinate inter-team activities that align with external collaborators, led by the Director of External Innovation CGT.
Apply flawless aseptic technique and display expertise with handling cell lines and primary cells.
Understand and execute tasks in cell biology, chemistry, molecular biology, materials science, and manufacturing unit operations.
Introduce new analytical tools and methods to advance research and analytics more rapidly.
Analyze data that are generated, craft written and oral reports and present findings to internal and external SMEs.
Mentor and guide the activities of external Business Unit R&D staff who have been recruited to complete particular portions of the workload.
Key requirements:
Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in Cell Biology, Virology, Molecular Biology, or Pharmacology, with at least 10 years of experience in the life sciences industry.
Expertise in biotechnology, cell biology, molecular biology, and gene therapy; experience with a variety of cell culture systems, including adherent/suspension cultures and bioreactor operation for immune cells and cell lines.
In-depth knowledge of upstream and downstream gene therapy processes.
Expertise in experimental design, manufacturing technologies, analytical tools, and techniques, including flow cytometry.
Strong experience in cell activation (T cells, NK cells, etc.), nucleofection, viral transduction, plasmid-based transfections, and functional assays.
Proficiency in aseptic techniques, BSC level 2 work, and culture of primary cells and cell lines.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
We recognize that attracting, developing and retaining the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract the best candidates. As required by law in this state, the quoted salary range for this hybrid position is $100,000.00 – $170,000.00. We use broad salary ranges that reflect the competitive market for similar jobs, provide sufficient opportunity for growth as you gain experience and expand responsibilities; while also allowing for differentiation on performance based on the breadth of our ranges, most new hires will start at the company between the lower and the middle part of the applicable range. We tailor our offers within the range based on job-related factors, including organizational needs, internal equity, market data, geographic area and the selected candidate's experience, education, industry knowledge, location, technical and/or communication skills and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. This range is only inclusive of base salary, and base pay is just one component of Lonza's total compensation package for employees. Full-time employees are eligible to receive a performance-related bonus, as well as a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off (PTO), and more.
Every day, Lonza's products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.
People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.
Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
