Senior Expert Science & Technology (m/f/d) - Upstream Cell Culture Process Development & Transfer

AT33 (FCRS = AT033) Novartis Pharmaceutical Manufacturing GmbH; Schaftenau; Hybrid; EUR 67,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Pharmaceutical Manufacturing GmbH in Schaftenau, Austria seeks a Senior Expert Science & Technology (m/f/d) to lead late-stage upstream bioprocess development and tech transfer for biotherapeutics, delivering robust data and scalable production processes.

The position is a 24-month fixed-term contract with hybrid work options in Schaftenau. The role offers a competitive base salary with growth potential and career development within the Novartis group.

Qualifications

• University degree in life sciences (biotech, bioprocess engineering) is required.
• PhD with at least 2 years or Master with at least 6 years industrial experience.
• Proven experience in upstream process transfer and collaboration with manufacturing partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead late-phase upstream process development and tech transfer for biotherapeutics.
• Drive upstream development leveraging lab- and pilot-scale data for robust processes.
• Use modeling and simulation tools to support in-silico process development and transfer.
• Prepare technical, scientific and regulatory documents including risk assessments.
• Collaborate across functions and geographies to translate lab-scale insights into scalable production processes.

Skills

Bioprocess engineering

Upstream development

DoE / MVDA

Data-driven models

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

Life sciences degree

PhD or Master with relevant experience

Job description

Salary Range: €66,918.00 - €117,800.00

Job Description Summary With over 25 years of experience in cell culture process development and several commercialized products on the market, we are dedicated to scientific excellence and innovation. This is your opportunity to join the Drug Substance Upstream Process Development team in Schaftenau as a Senior Expert Science & Technology (m/f/d), where your expertise will directly contribute to delivering life-changing medicines to patients around the world.

24 Month Fixed Term Contract #LI-Hybrid Location - Schaftenau, Austria

Responsibilities

• Bioprocess Development & Innovation Lead late-phase upstream process development and characterization, including scale up and tech transfer for manufacturing of biotherapeutics, and serve as USP subject matter expert within cross-functional teams
• Drive upstream development for portfolio and innovation projects, leveraging lab- and pilot-scale capabilities to generate high-quality data for process understanding and model development
• Utilize modeling and simulation tools to support in-silico process development and transfer
• Author, review and approve technical, scientific and regulatory-relevant documents incl. risk assessments
• Collaborate across functions and geographies to translate lab-scale insights into robust, scalable production processes
• Contribute to the strategic evolution of upstream platform technologies, innovation initiatives, and global guidelines. This includes active participation in global USP functional network and focus groups
• Bioprocess Scale-up and process transfer Drive bioprocess scale up and transfer of cell culture processes within our internal bioproduction network
• Evaluation of process characterization data, development reports, and associated documentation to ensure alignment of external processes with internal standards
• Support roll-out and implementation of PAT technologies as part of process transfers
• Leadership & Knowledge Sharing Mentor and coach junior scientific associates
• Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and intellectual property generation
• Communicate effectively across organizational interfaces; lead troubleshooting and transfer of know-how to/from other departments or external partner

Education & Experience

• University degree in life sciences (biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, or equivalent)
• PhD with min. 2 years or Master with min. 6 years industrial experience or equivalent
• Proven experience in upstream process transfer and collaboration with manufacturing partners

Technical Expertise

• Profound knowledge and hands on experience in bioprocess engineering principles and upstream unit operations; knowledge in cell culture process late-phase development
• Experience with statistical methods (DoE, MVDA) as well as with data-driven or mechanistic models
• Excellent communication, presentation, project management as well as ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams
• Experience with use of mechanistic, data-driven, and hybrid models for in-silico process development and optimization would be a plus

Rewards

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 66,918.00 – 117,800 EUR. In addition to a market-competitive base salary, we offer an attractive incentive program, a modern company pension scheme, childcare facilities, learning and development opportunities as well as worldwide career possibilities within the Novartis group. In accordance with Austrian law, we are obliged to disclose the minimum salary as stated in the collective bargaining agreement. For this position the minimum salary is € 65,605.54 EUR/year (on a full-time basis). The actual salary will be significantly higher, as we strive to maintain a competitive position in the market and consider your previous experience, qualifications and individual competencies. We are open for part-time and job-sharing models and support flexible and remote working where possible.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Adjustments for Applicants with Disabilities: If because of a medical condition, physical disability or a neurodiverse condition you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, 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.

Skills Desired

Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science. It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them. It takes a team of people like you. Working together. Learning together. Thriving together. Discover how you can join us in changing people’s lives.