Senior Scientist (m/f/d) - Scientific Operations Services - R&D Plasma

Octapharma-Plasma; Wien; On-site; EUR 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company restaurant & meal subsidy

Training & further education

Health promotion

Parking spaces and good public transit

Company and team events

Job summary

Octapharma-Plasma is seeking a Senior Scientist for the Scientific Operations Services (SOS) in Vienna, focusing on plasma-derived medicinal products. You will contribute scientific expertise across product lifecycle management, process improvements, technology transfers and regulatory support.

The role involves leading investigations, coordinating complex lab studies, and mentoring junior staff within a cross-functional R&D environment to ensure quality and compliance.

Qualifications

• Completed University degree (at least MSc, PhD preferred) in biotechnology, biochemical engineering, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences or a related discipline.
• Relevant professional experience in biopharmaceutical research, development or manufacturing, ideally including work in a GxP-regulated environment.
• Strong scientific understanding of biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, protein characterization, and product/process lifecycle management.
• Experience with plasma-derived products and commercial process support is preferred.
• Solid understanding of scientific laboratory practices, data interpretation and quality requirements.
• Experience in solving complex scientific or technical challenges and translating findings into practical recommendations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines, fluent English and good German (written and spoken).
• Proficiency with scientific software, statistical data analysis, digital tools or generative AI.
• Experience in scientific project coordination, process investigations or technology transfers.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring or supporting the development of colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Contribute as a scientific expert to the life-cycle management and continuous improvement of plasma-derived medicinal products.
• Collaborate across functions and locations with Manufacturing, Manufacturing Science & Technology, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Business Units and other R&D teams.
• Lead and support scientific investigations and improvement initiatives, including process optimization, technology transfers, root cause analyses, change requests and regulatory submissions.
• Plan, coordinate and conduct complex laboratory studies and analytical activities, ensuring reliable data and scientifically sound conclusions.
• Support scientific excellence by reviewing experimental results, sharing expertise and contributing to continuous improvement of laboratory practices.
• Communicate scientific findings and recommendations through reports, presentations and discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Share knowledge and support the development of colleagues, including Scientists, Associate Scientists and technical staff, through coaching and mentoring.

Skills

Biopharmaceutical manufacturing

Laboratory analysis

Data interpretation

English proficiency

German proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Coaching/mentoring

Project coordination

Education

MSc or PhD in biotechnology/biochemistry/pharma

Tools

Statistical software

Digital tools / Generative AI

Job description

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Senior Scientist (m/f/d) - Scientific Operations Services - R&D Plasma

Job ID: 64499

Location: Wien, AT

Job Level: Professionals

Job Category: Research and Development

Become part of a vital chain and contribute to our common goal of making people’s lives better. Octapharma is one of the largest human protein manufacturers in the world, developing and producing medicines sourced from human plasma and human cell lines. We are a privately-owned company, where the warmth of family meets the scale of a global organisation.

With over 1700 employees, the Octapharma site in Vienna is the largest production site, and successful research and development location.

Join ourScientific Operations Services (SOS) team and help shape the future of plasma-derived therapies through scientific excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement.

As a Senior Scientist in Scientific Operations Services, you will contribute your scientific expertise to the life-cycle management of plasma-derived medicinal products. You will work with experienced colleagues across R&D and other functions, combining scientific problem-solving with practical improvements that support product quality, manufacturing processes and ultimately patients.

Your main tasks and responsibilities

• Contribute as a scientific expert to the life-cycle management and continuous improvement of plasma-derived medicinal products
• Collaborate across functions and locations with Manufacturing, Manufacturing Science & Technology, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Business Units and other R&D teams
• Lead and support scientific investigations and improvement initiatives, including process optimization, technology transfers, root cause analyses, change requests and regulatory submissions
• Plan, coordinate and conduct complex laboratory studies and analytical activities, ensuring reliable data and scientifically sound conclusions
• Support scientific excellence by reviewing experimental results, sharing expertise and contributing to continuous improvement of laboratory practices
• Communicate scientific findings and recommendations through reports, presentations and discussions with internal and external stakeholders
• Share knowledge and support the development of colleagues, including Scientists, Associate Scientists and technical staff, through coaching and mentoring

Your expertise and ideal skill set

• Completed University degree (at least MSc, PhD preferred) in biotechnology, biochemical engineering, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences or a related discipline
• Relevant professional experience in biopharmaceutical research, development or manufacturing, ideally including work in a GxP-regulated environment
• Strong scientific understanding of biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, protein characterization, and product/process lifecycle management
• Experience with plasma-derived products and commercial process support is preferred
• Solid understanding of scientific laboratory practices, data interpretation and quality requirements
• Experience in solving complex scientific or technical challenges and translating findings into practical recommendations
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines, fluent English and good German (written and spoken)
• Proficiency with scientific software, statistical data analysis, digital tools or generative AI
• Experience in scientific project coordination, process investigations or technology transfers
• Experience in coaching, mentoring or supporting the development of colleagues

Your department - where you make an impact

• We, the Research & Development department, conduct preclinical and clinical research to develop new products and ensure their safe and effective use throughout their overall life-cycle. Our ultimate focus in our daily work is on increasing patient health and safety.
• Within R&D Plasma, our Scientific Operations Services team supports the life-cycle management of plasma-derived medicinal products. We combine scientific expertise, experimental capabilities and cross-functional collaboration to address complex challenges and support the continuous improvement of established products and manufacturing processes.

Thrive with us

• Company restaurant & meal subsidy
• Training & further education
• Health promotion
• Parking spaces and good public transport connections
• Company and team events

Enjoy these attractive benefits! You can find all offers here: Benefits The minimum gross salary according to the collective agreement (chemical industry) is EUR 4.355,55 based on 38 hours per week (full-time). As we strive to offer a salary that reflects your individual profile and qualifications, there is a willingness to pay above the minimum salary.

It´s in our blood

We live diversity and stand for equal opportunities as an employer! We therefore look forward to receiving your application - regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation, and religion.

Do you have any questions? Then get in touch with your contact person.

Octapharma is one of the largest human protein manufacturers in the world, developing and producing human proteins from human plasma and human cell lines. We employ more than 11,000 people worldwide to support the treatment of patients in 120 countries with products across three therapeutic areas: Immunotherapy, Haematology and Critical Care. With seven R&D sites and five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Austria, France, Germany, and Sweden, Octapharma also operates over 200 plasma donation centres across Europe and the US. With four decades of experience, we are committed to advancing patient care worldwide.