Associate Principal Scientist

Lonza, Inc.; Cambridge; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile working culture

Inclusive workplace with global StakeH

Meaningful work with business impact

Global benefits access

Job summary

Lonza seeks an Associate Principal Scientist to lead biopharmaceutical process development, optimizing upstream and downstream operations and driving innovation in an agile R&D setting.

You will design experiments, analyze data, and author regulatory documents while mentoring junior staff and collaborating with manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory affairs to deliver robust, scalable processes.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or related field with 5+ years in biopharma.
• Strong experience with upstream/downstream biologics processing and DOE.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and translate market intelligence into growth strategies.
• Direct projects on process development, optimization, and characterization.
• Design, execute and analyze experiments to improve process understanding.
• Author/provide technical reports, protocols and regulatory documents.
• Mentor junior scientists and research staff.
• Troubleshoot complex technical challenges and drive innovative solutions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, QA, and regulatory affairs to ensure execution.
• Present findings at internal and external conferences.
• Stay current with industry trends and new technologies.

Skills

DOE

Statistical analysis

Data interpretation

Experiment design

Scientific leadership

Independent worker

Education

PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

Master's degree with 10+ years biopharma experience

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Associate 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

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.

Requirements:

• 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?