Principal Scientist – High-Throughput Bioprocess Technology Development
Location: Slough

We are seeking an experienced Principal Scientist to identify, evaluate and deploy emerging technologies that enable more controllable, automated and data-rich high-throughput bioprocess models across Integrated Biologics R&D.

The role will combine technology development, bioengineering, experimental design and laboratory automation to create reusable platforms for miniaturised upstream and downstream process development. Working with Cell Expression, Upstream, Downstream, Analytical, Automation, Digital and Operations teams, the Principal Scientist will translate process-development needs into practical technology solutions and support their deployment across R&D and Operations.

What you will get:
An agile career and dynamic working culture
An inclusive and ethical workplace
Compensation programs that recognize high performance
A variety of benefits dependant on role and location
The full list of our global benefits can be also found on https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and deploy high-throughput technologies and scale-down models to support upstream and downstream biologics process development.
• Identify technology gaps and deliver innovative bioprocess engineering solutions that enhance process control, monitoring, automation and data generation.
• Define technical requirements for sensors, fluidics, automation, control strategies and experimental platforms, working with internal teams and external technology partners.
• Design and lead proof-of-concept studies to evaluate the feasibility, robustness, scalability and value of emerging bioprocess technologies.
• Establish standardised approaches and best practices for model setup, automation, sampling, data capture and performance assessment.
• Partner across Cell Expression, Upstream Processing, Downstream Processing, Analytical Development, Automation, Digital, Data Science and PAT to integrate new technologies into R&D capabilities.
• Scout, assess and introduce emerging technologies in high-throughput bioprocessing, miniaturisation, process sensing, microfluidics, automated sampling and advanced experimental platforms.

Key requirements:

• MSc/PhD in biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, bioengineering, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in technology development relevant to bioprocessing, such as miniaturized systems, microfluidics, process sensing, fluidics, analytical technologies or high-throughput experimental platforms.
• Working understanding of biologics process-development principles and critical process parameters, with the ability to translate process-development needs into technical requirements for new platforms and workflows.
• Ability to assess external technologies and partners, define proof-of-concept studies and translate successful solutions into reusable internal capabilities.
• Experience with structured experimental design, including DoE, statistical analysis or data-driven technology development.
• Strong scientific judgement, problem-solving and experimental-design capability, with the ability to lead complex technical projects across R&D, Operations and external partners.
• Experience developing, evaluating or implementing automated experimental systems, including sensors, liquid handling, sampling, control strategies or data-rich laboratory workflows is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, business-fluent English and willingness to travel between Lonza sites and external technology partners as required

About Lonza
At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.