Life Scientist (m/w/d)

Celonic Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG; Heidelberg; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Celonic Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG in Heidelberg seeks an Analytical Lead QC - Protein Analytics / Chemical Analytics (f/m/d) to own analytical activities across optimization, transfer, validation, and troubleshooting, ensuring robust, fit-for-purpose solutions in line with cGMP and regulatory expectations.

The role requires MSc/PhD in a related field and 8+ years of pharma/biotech/CDMO experience, with strong expertise in analytical methods and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• MSc, PhD or equivalent in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CDMO, or comparable analytical environments.
• Strong practical experience in analytical development, method optimization, transfer, validation, and cGMP-regulated activities.
• Proven ability to lead complex analytical activities across functions and organizational boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical activities including optimization, transfer, validation, and troubleshooting, ensuring methods are scientifically sound and fit-for-purpose.
• Provide scientific and technical expertise in analytical methods, technologies, and experimental strategies.
• Ensure cGMP compliance, data integrity, and scientific rigor across analytical activities and documentation.
• Identify risks and drive solutions related to analytical performance, deviations, timelines, and operational challenges.
• Lead the implementation and transfer of analytical technologies across Celonic sites and functions.

Skills

Analytical method development

HPLC methods

Regulatory compliance

cGMP experience

Cross-functional coordination

Education

MSc/PhD in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering

Tools

HPLC (RP, SEC, AEX)

CE

PAGE/IEF

Photo-spectrometry

Job description

THE COMPANY

Celonic is a “Pure Play” Biologics Contract Development Manufacturing Organization (CDMO). Celonic’s mission is to help its customers, primarily small to large Biotech Companies, bring life- saving and improving drugs effectively to the market using innovative, “next generation” bioprocessing technologies. Celonic has a state-of-the-art Biologics Development and Innovation Center in Basel, Switzerland (headquarters), and clinical and commercial GMP manufacturing facilities in Heidelberg, Germany. At present, more than 500 highly qualified employees work at Celonic's. Due to the expansion of the company, Celonic is looking for committed and qualified employees. As Analytical Lead QC - Protein Analytics / Chemical Analytics (f/m/d), you will take ownership of analytical activities within your assigned area, ensuring high scientific standards, quality, and on-time delivery. You will lead and coordinate analytical activities across optimization, transfer, validation, and troubleshooting, providing scientific and technical expertise to ensure robust, fit-for-purpose analytical solutions in line with cGMP and analytical lifecycle requirements. Acting with a high degree of autonomy, you will serve as a key interface between QC-Chemical Analytics, project teams, client-facing functions, and external partners. You will also contribute to the implementation and transfer of innovative analytical technologies across Celonic sites, supporting knowledge sharing and technical excellence.

You will report directly to the Team Manager QC Chemical Analytics and operate as a technical leader without direct people-management responsibility.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead analytical activities including optimization, transfer, validation, and troubleshooting, ensuring methods are scientifically sound and fit-for-purpose
• Provide scientific and technical expertise in analytical methods, technologies, and experimental strategies, supporting complex analytical challenges by problem-solving and decision‑making
• Ensure cGMP compliance, data integrity, and scientific rigor across analytical activities, documentation, data evaluation, and reporting, including the preparation and review of protocols, SOPs, reports, and other technical documents
• Identify risks and proactively drive solutions related to analytical performance, deviations, documentation, timelines, and other operational challenges
• Lead the implementation and transfer of analytical technologies across Celonic sites and functions, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and successful technical implementation
• Collaborate across functions, working closely with project teams, SMEs, support functions, external partners, and client-facing teams to align analytical activities with project and business priorities
• Share expertise and develop technical capability by coaching and training colleagues, supporting knowledge sharing, and continuously developing expertise in emerging analytical technologies and approaches
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, safety, and compliance within Analytical Services
• MSc, PhD, or equivalent degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline
• 8+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CDMO, or a comparable analytical environment
• Strong practical experience in analytical development, method optimization, transfer, validation, and cGMP-regulated activities
• Strong practical experience in analytical methodology ( HPLC (RP, SEC, AEX), CE, Photo‑spectrometry, PAGE, IEF)
• Strong knowledge of analytical method lifecycle, validation principles, European Pharmacopoeia, ICH guidelines, and CMC / regulatory expectations
• Proven ability to lead complex analytical activities, solve challenging analytical problems, and coordinate work across functions and organizational boundaries
• Strong experience with analytical documentation and data evaluation, combined with a hi…