Pilot Scientist

Lonza; Slough; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Lonza is recruiting for a Pilot Operations role based in Slough, United Kingdom. The role involves transferring processes from development into pilot-scale operations, and supporting their readiness for commercial manufacturing.

You will work alongside scientists and technical transfer colleagues to execute batches, operate equipment and apply analytical technologies. The position requires GMP awareness, attention to data trends, and collaborative problem solving within a high-precision

Qualifications

• Experience or foundational knowledge of upstream or downstream processing operations with relevant process equipment and analytical techniques.
• Good manufacturing practice (GMP) understanding and documentation discipline in a regulated environment.
• Strong attention to detail with ability to review data, identify trends and support problem solving.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain process documentation, batch records and material requirements in collaboration with development scientists and technical transfer colleagues.
• Operate process equipment and support daily activities within the pilot execution team.
• Collaborate with R&D, Process Development and technical transfer teams to understand project requirements and progress.
• Collect, review and analyse batch data to identify trends and contribute to process summary reports for internal teams and customers.
• Follow established procedures and contribute to health, safety, environmental and quality requirements throughout pilot plant activities.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement to enhance process efficiency, yield and productivity.

Skills

Upstream processing

Downstream processing

GMP knowledge

Data review & trend analysis

Problem solving

Communication & teamwork

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

A-levels or equivalent

Biological science degree advantageous

Job description

The actual location of this job is Slough, United Kingdom.

Join Lonza's Pilot Operations team and help bring new and existing processes from development into pilot-scale operations, supporting their successful transfer to commercial manufacturing. Working alongside scientists and technical experts, you'll gain hands-on experience with process equipment, batch execution and the technologies used to manufacture medicines to the highest quality standards.

This is a fully site-based role. Working together in person supports close, real-time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.

What you will get:

• An agile career and dynamic working culture.
• An inclusive and ethical workplace.
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance.
• A variety of benefits dependent on role and location.
• Support the transfer of new and existing upstream or downstream processes from development into pilot-scale operations, helping ensure they are suitable for subsequent commercial manufacturing.
• Prepare and maintain process documentation, batch records and material requirements in collaboration with development scientists and technical transfer colleagues.
• Work as part of a dedicated pilot execution team to plan and carry out daily activities, operate process equipment and use relevant analytical technologies.
• Collaborate with Research and Development, Process Development and technical transfer teams to understand project requirements, communicate progress and resolve routine process issues.
• Collect, review and analyse batch data to identify trends and contribute to process summary reports for internal teams and customers.
• Follow established procedures and contribute to health, safety, environmental and quality requirements throughout pilot plant activities.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, helping to improve process efficiency, yield and productivity while developing your technical knowledge through hands-on experience and collaboration.

What we are looking for:

• Experience or foundational knowledge of upstream or downstream processing operations, including relevant process equipment and analytical techniques.
• An understanding of good manufacturing practice (GMP), technical documentation and the importance of following established procedures in a regulated environment.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to review numerical data, recognise trends and contribute to problem-solving activities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across scientific and technical teams.
• Effective organisation and task management skills, with a proactive approach to learning, adapting to change and meeting project deadlines.
• A commitment to health, safety, environmental and quality standards, taking responsibility for your own safety and that of others.
• A minimum of A-levels or equivalent. A degree in a biological science, biochemistry, biochemical engineering or a related discipline would be advantageous.

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.

Reference: R79816

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.