Expert Downstream Process Development

Novartis; Österreich; On-site; EUR 96,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Flexible and hybrid working options

Job summary

Novartis in Kundl, Austria is seeking an Expert and Functional Lead to drive downstream process development for biologics, spanning from lab to commercial manufacturing. You will lead purification process development, work with cross-functional teams, and push adoption of automation, digitalization, modeling, and AI-enabled development.

The role emphasizes scientific leadership across programs, collaboration with Development, Manufacturing, Regulatory and Quality, and a strong focus on

Qualifications

• Degree in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Technology or related field.
• Hands-on downstream processing experience including chromatography, filtration and protein purification.
• Knowledge of CMC principles and regulatory expectations for biologics.

Responsibilities

• Drive downstream process development for innovative biologics across all development stages.
• Develop robust, scalable manufacturing processes through purification process design.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve technical challenges and advance projects.
• Support adoption of automation, digitalization, modeling and AI in development.
• Share scientific insights through internal presentations and contribute to publications and IP.

Skills

Downstream process development

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Analytical problem solving

JMP or data analysis tools

Python/R/SQL knowledge

Education

Biotechnology/Biochemical/Chemical Engineering or related

Tools

Chromatography

Filtration

Protein purification

Job description

Salary Range: €60,978.00 - €96,200.00

Job Description Summary

Location: Kundl, Austria #onsite

Role Purpose:
At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine by transforming breakthrough science into life-changing therapies for patients worldwide.
Our Downstream Process Development organization plays a pivotal role in advancing innovative biologics from development through global registration, commercial launch, and manufacturing transfer. As part of our team, you will contribute to a diverse portfolio of biologics programs and help deliver robust, scalable, and innovative downstream processes that enable medicines to reach patients around the world.
This role offers a unique opportunity to combine scientific excellence with technological innovation. Working in a highly collaborative environment, you will apply your expertise in downstream processing to solve complex development challenges, support key project milestones, and contribute to the implementation of emerging technologies, including automation, digitalization, modeling, and AI-enabled development approaches.
Beyond the laboratory, you will collaborate with experts across Development, Manufacturing, Analytical Development, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality functions, gaining broad exposure to the complete biologics development lifecycle while continuously expanding your scientific and technical expertise.

As Expert and Functional Lead, you will provide scientific leadership across key biologics programs and act as a trusted DSP subject matter expert within multidisciplinary development teams.

Job Description

You will

• Drive downstream process development for innovative biologics across all stages of development, from laboratory to commercial manufacturing.
• Apply your expertise in purification process development to deliver robust, scalable, and efficient manufacturing processes.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical challenges and advance a diverse project portfolio.
• Support the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in automation, digitalization, modeling, and artificial intelligence.
• Share scientific insights through internal presentations and contribute to the generation of publications and intellectual property.

What makes this opportunity unique

• Contribute to the development of next-generation biologics with direct impact on clinical and commercial success.
• Work on challenging scientific problems in a dynamic, innovation-driven environment.
• Gain exposure to advanced technologies, including automation, modeling, digitalization, and AI applications in bioprocess development.
• Develop broad expertise across the complete biologics’ development lifecycle.
• Collaborate with leading scientists and cross-functional teams across a global network.
• Build a strong foundation for future technical and scientific leadership opportunities.

What you'll bring

• Degree in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Technology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in downstream process development, including chromatography, filtration, and protein purification.
• Understanding of CMC development principles and regulatory expectations for biologics.
• Experience supporting process characterization, technology transfer, and/or regulatory submission activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to derive actionable insights from scientific data.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, enabling success in multidisciplinary and global teams.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP) and data-driven decision-making.
• Industry experience in biologics development is preferred.
• Knowledge of digital, modeling, or programming tools such as Python, R, or SQL is an asset.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: €60,978 to €96,200

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Adjustments for Applicants with Disabilities

please reach out to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request as well as your contact information. The support which we can provide will include advice on suitable positions as well as guidance at all stages of the application process. Austrian law provides candidates the opportunity to involve the local disability representative, Behindertenvertrauensperson (BVP), in the application process. If you would like to request this, please let us know in advance as a note on your CV.