Principal Scientist Upstream Process Development (MSAT)

GlycoEra AG; Wädenswil; On-site; Vertraulich; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic work environment

Opportunity for innovation

Collaboration with experts

Job summary

A leading biotech company in Switzerland is seeking a Principal Scientist for Upstream Process Development. The successful candidate will be responsible for technology transfer, implementation, and scaling of novel expression systems at external manufacturing partners. Candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in the industry, strong hands-on expertise with bioreactors, and exceptional problem-solving abilities. This role offers the opportunity to work independently in a dynamic and fast-paced environment while contributing to innovative bioprocess solutions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of extensive industry experience in MSAT/upstream process development, technology transfer, and implementation for biologics.
• Strong familiarity with how CDMOs operate, including facility constraints and equipment variability.
• Solid understanding of bioprocess engineering fundamentals and metabolic principles.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end technology transfer, implementation, and scale-up of expression systems at CDMOs.
• Lead scale-up activities from laboratory to industrial scale, ensuring robustness and scalability.
• Provide person-in-plant support during CDMO runs and monitor process performance.

Skills

Hands-on expertise with bioreactors

Strong data analysis skills

Creative problem-solving

Ability to work independently

Education

MSc/PhD in Biotechnology

MSc/PhD in Biochemical Engineering

MSc/PhD in Microbiology

Tools

Bioreactors

Fermentation control systems

Bioprocess software tools

Job description

The Principal Scientist Upstream Process Development, will play a pivotal hands‑on role in transferring, implementing and scaling our processes and novel expression system at CDMOs. This position is ideal for a highly experienced, laboratory‑focused upstream expert who combines deep engineering intuition with strong scientific understanding. The role requires someone who thrives on solving complex bioprocess challenges, has gained experience as MSAT expert through multiple tech transfers, brings creativity and out‑of‑the‑box thinking, and is comfortable working independently in a fast‑moving biotech environment.

The successful candidate will contribute directly to technology transfer, implementation, scale‑up activities to external manufacturing partners and closely monitor execution. In our laboratories you will participate in process development and improvement of our novel expression technology. Extensive experience with multiple expression systems and industrial‑scale bioreactors (1000 L and above) is essential.

Tasks

Upstream Process Development

• Own end-to-end technology transfer, implementation, and scale-up of our novel expression system at CDMOs.
• Critically assess CDMO facility, equipment, and operational fit-for-purpose, asking probing, technically grounded questions to identify gaps, risks, and constraints.
• Define and align the transfer strategy in close collaboration with CDMO technical teams, ensuring full understanding and correct execution of process intent, critical parameters, and control strategies.
• Translate development processes into robust, executable manufacturing processes, adapting as needed to site-specific equipment, control systems, and operational realities without compromising process performance or product quality.
• Perform hands‑on fermentation activities at bench and pilot scale, including setup, operation, troubleshooting, and data analysis, to support development, comparability, and scale‑up readiness.
• Lead scale‑up activities from laboratory to pilot and industrial scale (≥1000 L), applying sound bioprocess and engineering principles to ensure robustness, scalability, and reproducibility.
• Prepare comprehensive MSAT deliverables, including process descriptions, risk assessments, scale‑up rationales, and technology transfer packages to support successful implementation at CDMOs.
• Closely monitor process execution during implementation, engineering runs, and GMP batch manufacturing, maintaining active oversight of process performance, deviations, and trends.
• Provide person‑in‑plant support (on‑site or remote) during CDMO runs, proactively identifying issues, driving root‑cause analysis, and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Act as the technical owner of the upstream process at the CDMO, ensuring continuity of knowledge, rapid decision‑making, and alignment between development intent and manufacturing execution.

Innovation & Problem Solving

• Apply creative, engineering‑driven thinking to improve and adapt a novel expression system.
• Identify process bottlenecks and propose innovative solutions based on scientific and technical insight.
• Evaluate new technologies, tools, and approaches that could enhance upstream performance.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with internal process development, analytical development, and protein sciences teams.
• Contribute to project planning, timelines, and risk assessments.
• Communicate results clearly and effectively to internal stakeholders.

Requirements

• MSc/PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, or related field.
• 8+ years of extensive industry experience in MSAT / upstream process development, technology transfer and implementation for biologics, ideally across multiple expression systems.
• Strong hands‑on expertise with bioreactors, fermentation control systems, and scale‑up principles.
• Experience designing and reviewing contamination‑control strategies for long upstream processes, operational risks, equipment risks, cleaning strategies, and monitoring plans.
• Demonstrated success transferring processes to CMOs and supporting external manufacturing campaigns.
• Strong familiarity with how CDMOs operate, including facility constraints, equipment variability, scheduling realities, and cross‑functional communication pathways.
• Ability to critically evaluate whether a CDMO’s facility, utilities, and equipment can support the process as designed, and to identify required adaptations without compromising product quality.
• Solid understanding of bioprocess engineering fundamentals, metabolic principles, and cell physiology.
• Broad hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture platforms, including fed‑batch and perfusion, across small‑scale, pilot, and commercial environments.
• Experience with diverse mircobial expression system is a plus.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and drive progress with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to work on the bench.
• Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with common bioprocess software tools.
• Creative, resourceful, and energized by technical challenges.
• Strong engineering mindset paired with scientific depth.
• Highly independent and proactive in identifying and solving problems.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, time‑bound project environment.
• Clear communicator with a collaborative spirit.

If this role matches your profile, please upload your CV and motivation letter.