Associate Principal Scientist

Lonza Group Ltd.; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Lonza Group Ltd. in Cambridge, United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead strategic projects in biopharmaceutical process development, including upstream and downstream operations. You will design experiments, analyze data, mentor researchers, and collaborate with manufacturing, QA, and regulatory teams to drive process improvements.

The role emphasizes leadership, scientific excellence, and staying ahead of industry trends in biopharma.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with 5+ years biopharma industry experience.
• Experience leading scientific projects in biopharma process development.
• Deep knowledge of upstream/downstream biologics processing.
• Strong skills in DOE, statistics, data interpretation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate strategic planning and translate insights into growth strategies across clinical and commercial phases.
• Lead projects related to process development, optimization, and characterization of biologics.
• Design and implement experiments, analyze data, and interpret results to drive improvements.
• Author and review technical reports and regulatory documents for development and manufacturing.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior scientists.
• Troubleshoot complex challenges and develop innovative solutions to improve process efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Stay current with industry trends and technologies in biopharmaceutical development.
• Present research findings at internal and external conferences.

Skills

Design of Experiments

Project leadership

Data analysis

Cell culture

Chromatography

Regulatory documentation

Education

PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or related

Job description

Principal Scientist Cambridge, United Kingdom

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Scientist to contribute to the development and optimization of our biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. This role will involve leading scientific projects, troubleshooting complex issues, and driving innovation within a dynamic R&D environment. What you will get: An agile dynamic working culture An inclusive and ethical workplace where you collaborate with senior stakeholders across a global organisation Meaningful work that enhances employee experience, operational excellence, and delivers lasting business impact Access to global benefits via https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits

What you will get:

• An agile dynamic working culture
• An inclusive and ethical workplace where you collaborate with senior stakeholders across a global organisation
• Meaningful work that enhances employee experience, operational excellence, and delivers lasting business impact
• Access to global benefits via https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits

What you will do:

• Facilitate strategic planning and translate market/competitive intelligence into growth strategies across clinical and commercial phases.
• Lead and execute scientific projects related to process development, optimization, and characterization of biologics, including upstream and downstream processes.
• Design and implement experiments, analyze data, and interpret results to drive process understanding and improvement.
• Author and review technical reports, protocols, and regulatory documents in support of process development and manufacturing.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior scientists and research associates.
• Troubleshoot complex technical challenges and develop innovative solutions to improve process efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory affairs, to ensure successful project execution.
• Stay current with industry trends, scientific literature, and new technologies in biopharmaceutical process development.
• Present research findings internally and externally at scientific conferences.

What we are looking for:

• Ph.D. in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 5+ years of biopharma industry experience (or Master's degree with 10+ years).
• Experience with vector and/or host cell engineering to integrate payloads and/or knockout gene function in the mammalian cells.
• Proven track record of leading successful scientific projects and delivering results in biopharmaceutical process development.
• Deep theoretical and practical knowledge of upstream (cell culture, fermentation) and/or downstream (chromatography, filtration) biologics processing.
• Strong expertise in Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, data interpretation, and modern laboratory instrumentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with demonstrated ability to present complex scientific data effectively.
• Strong ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow.

Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences?

Every day, our teams across the world work together to turn scientific breakthroughs into life-changing medicines that reach up to 100 million patients a year. Lonza is a place where people can make a unique impact, grow their careers and belong.

You will feel at home at Lonza if you:

• Take ownership, step forward, and enjoy meaningful responsibility
• Love solving problems and thrive in a complex, fast-moving environment
• Are curious, always looking to learn and improve
• Work collaboratively, contributing to something bigger than yourself
• Are motivated to make a difference through work that impacts customers and their patients

Why Lonza

We are a place of unique opportunity, where your ideas, expertise and ambition can make a real difference. Here, will have the freedom to grow, the support to succeed and the chance to contribute to work that matters. We are the makers of the medicines of tomorrow.

Join us. Be you.