Team Manager Pilot Plant & Process Science

Celonic-Ag; Basel; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Celonic AG in Basel, Switzerland, seeks a senior leader to head the Pilot & Process Science team within the Biologics Development Center. You will oversee pilot-scale DS processes, guide biotechnicians and engineers, and drive technology transfer to commercial manufacturing, ensuring timely delivery aligned with client commitments and Celonic’s strategic priorities.

The role requires a Master’s degree in Biotechnology or related field, 5+ years in pilot-scale/biologics production, strong

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering or related field.
• At least 5 years of pilot-scale or commercial biologics production experience.
• Experience in technology transfer between sites or from development/pilot to commercial.
• Strong knowledge of bioprocessing technologies (mammalian culture, USP/DSP) and cGMP.
• Experience leading small to mid-sized operational teams and multiple projects.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills with ability to implement improvements.
• Familiarity with QbD, statistical tools and data-driven optimization.
• Proactive, collaborative, organized with good communication.
• Proficiency in MS Office; English fluent; German an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the team of biotechnicians and process engineers.
• Oversee pilot process design, execution, troubleshooting and documentation.
• Coordinate pilot plant activities and resources for timely delivery of batches.
• Drive technology transfer to commercial manufacturing facilities.
• Promote technical excellence and process improvements.
• Collaborate across Biologics Development Center and manufacturing teams.
• Ensure quality, documentation and HSE compliance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline operations and agility.

Skills

Team leadership

Pilot process knowledge

Bioprocessing (USP/DSP)

cGMP knowledge

QbD / data-driven

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

English fluency

German an advantage

Education

Master’s degree in Biotechnology / Bioprocess Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Position

Reporting to the Senior Director Strategic Manufacturing Solutions & Pilot Plant, you will lead the Pilot & Process Science team within the Biologics Development Center, overseeing the planning, execution and documentation of pilot-scale processes for biologics drug substance (DS).

Combining strong technical expertise with hands-on operational leadership, you will organize and guide a team of biotechnicians and process engineers to deliver pilot batches, support process scale-up and enable successful technology transfers to commercial manufacturing. You will ensure that team activities, resources and deliverables are aligned with client commitments, internal project objectives and Celonic’s strategic priorities.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the team: Guide, supervise and develop a team of biotechnicians and process engineers, setting clear objectives, priorities and responsibilities in line with management guidance and Celonic’s strategic goals.
• Oversee pilot process execution: Guide the design, execution, troubleshooting and documentation of pilot-scale processes for biologics drug substance, including mammalian cell culture, upstream processing (USP) and downstream processing (DSP), for client work packages and internal initiatives.
• Ensure operational delivery: Plan and coordinate pilot plant activities, resources and supporting functions in line with Celonic’s S&OP planning, ensuring the timely and effective delivery of pilot batches and project commitments.
• Drive technology transfer: Support and coordinate the transfer of processes, knowledge and documentation to commercial manufacturing facilities, working closely with the relevant teams to facilitate successful implementation and manufacturing readiness.
• Promote technical excellence: Assess, implement and transfer state-of-the-art technologies for biologics production, providing technical guidance and supporting troubleshooting, process improvement and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate across functions: Maintain close collaboration and regular exchanges with other Biologics Development Center departments, project stakeholders and commercial manufacturing teams to ensure alignment and effective execution.
• Ensure quality and safety: Promote high standards of documentation and good laboratory practices, ensuring compliance with applicable procedures and health, safety and environmental (HSE) requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline operations, optimize resource utilization and establish efficient, agile ways of working.

Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering or a related scientific or engineering discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in pilot-scale or commercial production of biotechnological products, preferably in the biologics industry.
• Experience in technology transfer between sites or from development/pilot scale to commercial manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of bioprocessing technologies, including mammalian cell culture, USP and DSP, as well as cGMP principles and commercial manufacturing constraints.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing small to mid-sized operational teams and coordinating multiple projects.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges and translate findings into practical improvements.
• Familiarity with Quality by Design (QbD), statistical tools and data-driven process optimization.
• A proactive, flexible and collaborative approach, combined with strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands and deliver high-quality results within agreed timelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; German is an advantage.

Why Celonic?

• Make a difference by directly impacting patients lives
• Biologics is an attractive, high growth sector with professional development
• Offers a multinational and diverse workplace
• Proud to be a pioneer in “Next Generation” manufacturing technologies
• Family owned: Entrepreneurial, and short communication lines
• Basel is a great place to live, play and work in the center of Europe