Head of Analytics

ExcellGene SA.; Unterwallis; Remote; CHF 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

International biotech environment

Job summary

ExcellGene SA in Monthey, Switzerland seeks a senior analytical leader to head the combined Bioassays and Chromatography Analytics team. You will unify workflows, set priorities, and deliver high-quality results to clients on time.

You will drive digitalization, automation and data-driven improvements, while developing the team and ensuring compliance and robust reporting across biosimilar programs.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant discipline; PhD advantageous.
• Proven experience leading analytical teams in biopharmaceuticals.
• Strong knowledge of bioassays and chromatography.
• Experience with GMP analytical environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead Bioassays and Chromatography department with clear accountability.
• Coach and develop team members; drive continuous improvement.
• Plan workload, prioritize resources, and manage costs.
• Ensure data integrity, documentation and regulatory readiness.

Skills

HPLC/UPLC

CIEF

CE-SDS

ELISA

qPCR

Data interpretation

GMP experience

Education

Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry/ Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field

PhD advantageous

Tools

LIMS

ELN

Lab software

Job description

Monthey, Switzerland | Bioassays & Chromatography

In this position, you will lead our Analytical team, combining scientific expertise, operational discipline and a practical approach to leadership, and report to the COO. Your mission is to strengthen and develop a reliable, efficient and forward-looking analytical service that supports our scientific and operational teams and delivers high-quality results to clients on time.

Specifically, your mandate is twofold: 1) Structure and unify the analytical department into a high-performing, collaborative team with clear accountability and structured workflows that lead to schedule and cost control; and 2) Drive a technological leap to set a new standard for tomorrow, embedding digitalization, automation, and smart data use into daily operations.

This role combines strategic direction with active involvement in day-to-day operations. You will bring the discipline of a structured environment and adapt it to an entrepreneurial biotech organization, modernizing workflows and developing the team’s capabilities as analytical demand grows in volume and complexity.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the combined Bioassays and Chromatography department, define clear responsibilities and strengthen collaboration across the teams.

Develop team members and specialists through coaching, regular feedback, training and clear objectives; build accountability, initiative and a continuous-improvement mindset.

Establish effective daily management, delegation and backup arrangements to ensure continuity and consistent delivery.

Operational Planning & Performance

Own analytical workload planning, prioritization and resource allocation in collaboration with Project Management, Cell Line Development, Upstream Processing, Downstream Processing and R&D.

Improve sample-to-report workflows, turnaround times and delivery predictability while maintaining scientific rigor and quality.

Define and monitor meaningful indicators for workload, capacity, on-time delivery, rework, productivity and cost per analysis; use them to guide practical improvements.

Plan staffing, equipment needs and departmental expenditure; optimize capacity and costs against current demand and future business needs.

Scientific Quality & Technical Direction

Provide scientific oversight for bioassays and chromatography used in biologics characterization, including method development, optimization, qualification and validation where required.

Guide complex analytical troubleshooting, review data and conclusions, and ensure clear, timely reporting to internal stakeholders and clients.

Guide analytical strategies for biosimilar programs, including head-to-head comparison with reference products and similarity assessments aligned with regulatory expectations

Work with Quality to maintain appropriate documentation, data integrity and traceability; support investigations and corrective actions within the applicable quality framework.

Ensure laboratory safety, equipment reliability and appropriate training in collaboration with Quality/HSE and other relevant functions.

Innovation, Automation & Digitalization

Keep our analytical toolbox fit for the future: monitor advances in bioassays, chromatography and other characterization technologies, and drive the development and implementation of new or improved methods that meet evolving biosimilar and biologics requirements.

Develop and implement a prioritized roadmap for laboratory digitalization, workflow automation and analytical technology upgrades, including the modernization of existing methods where this improves robustness, throughput or regulatory readiness.

Work with IT and users to improve sample tracking, data capture, analysis and reporting through suitable laboratory information and instrument software solutions.

Evaluate practical applications of AI and advanced data analysis, with appropriate validation, data protection and expert review of scientific outputs.

Build investment proposals around measurable improvements in quality, turnaround time, capacity and cost; support adoption through training and change management.

Contribute in the deployment of pragmatic AI and advanced data analytics use cases to forecast workloads, accelerate data interpretation, and ensure robust compliance

Profile & Qualifications

Desired Skills & Expertise

Strong understanding of protein characterization, bioassays and chromatography; sufficient breadth to lead both disciplines and support specialist expertise.

Practical knowledge of relevant techniques, such as HPLC/UPLC, CIEF, CE-SDS, ELISA, qPCR and binding or potency assays, together with sound data interpretation and troubleshooting skills.

Experience with analytical method lifecycle management, scientific documentation and laboratory quality systems; GMP analytical experience is an advantage.

Confidence with analytical software, laboratory information systems and performance reporting; an ability to assess emerging technologies against real operational needs.

Proven track record in driving the digital transformation of analytical laboratories (e.g., sample workflow automation, LIMS implementation, etc.)

Ability to communicate and lead effectively both in French and English.

Soft Skills

A visible, approachable leader who sets clear expectations, listens and supports team development.

Demonstrated ability to lead a team, foster transparent communication, and inspire them toward standards of operational excellence.

Strong planning and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and communicate risks early.

A collaborative, service-oriented approach to internal stakeholders and clients.

Curiosity, adaptability and a practical approach to change, combining scientific rigor with business awareness.

Education & Experience

Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and substantial experience. A PhD is an advantage.

At least 8 years of relevant experience in biopharmaceutical analytics, including at least 3 years leading an analytical team or department with responsibility for people and operational delivery.

Experience in a large biopharmaceutical group or another structured analytical environment, combined with the ability to work pragmatically in a smaller organization.

A demonstrated record of improving laboratory organization, team performance and analytical workflows; experience implementing digitalization or automation projects.

What We Offer

A leadership role with a direct contribution to the modernization and performance of our Analytics department.

A collaborative, international biotech environment with close interaction across scientific and operational functions.

The opportunity to shape team development, analytical capabilities and the adoption of new technologies.

Competitive compensation and benefits aligned with experience and the responsibilities of the role.

ExcellGene values integrity, impact and involvement. As an international company backed by private equity, we encourage collaboration, professional growth and a practical approach to innovation.