Senior Principal Scientist, Global Process Development

Lonza; Slough; Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

Lonza is seeking a Senior Principal Scientist to lead strategic process development in biologics. Based in Slough, this role focuses on coordinating cross-site efforts, driving technical alignment, and solving advanced process challenges with multidisciplinary teams.

You will mentor scientists, advance two or more core process areas, and leverage digital data tools to optimize performance. The role emphasizes collaboration, quality, and regulatory readiness within a global network.

Qualifications

• Extensive bioprocessing experience, with strong downstream and biologic drug substance development knowledge.
• Proven track record leading multidisciplinary, matrix teams with minimal direction.
• Expertise in at least two areas of bioprocess development and manufacturing.
• Experience with digital tools and advanced data analysis for process improvement.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management to influence technical decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary projects implementing technology changes and drive alignment across sites.
• Provide subject matter expertise across upstream, downstream and/or bioconjugation process development and manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot complex technical challenges using data analysis and root cause methods.
• Monitor technical performance and address misalignment across Lonza network.
• Present findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Bioprocessing

Downstream processing

Data analysis

Multivariate analysis

Root cause analysis

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

PhD preferred

BSc/MSc/BEng/MEng in a relevant field

Job description

Senior Principal Scientist, Global Process Development

United Kingdom, Slough

Senior Principal Scientist, Global Process Development

Location: Slough, UK

The actual location of this job is in Slough, UK.

Join our Global Process Development team as a senior scientific expert, where you will lead strategic process development projects and help drive technical alignment across our global Biologics network. Using your expertise in biologic drug substance process development and manufacturing, you will solve complex technical challenges, influence scientific direction and enable the delivery of innovative solutions.

This role is primarily based on site. Working together in person supports close, real-time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards. We offer flexibility to work remotely for no more than 20% of your time. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with business needs.

What you will get:

An agile career and dynamic working culture.

The opportunity to work with senior scientific experts and multidisciplinary teams across a global Biologics network.

Opportunities to lead high-impact, cross-functional projects and influence global technical direction.

An inclusive and ethical workplace.

Compensation programs that recognize high performance.

A variety of benefits dependent on role and location.

Lead multidisciplinary projects that implement technology changes and drive alignment across sites, ensuring delivery to agreed milestones, scope and quality standards.

Lead matrix teams across functions and locations, building strong stakeholder relationships and securing alignment to achieve successful outcomes.

Provide subject matter expertise across two or more relevant areas of upstream, downstream and/or bioconjugation process development and manufacturing for biologic drug substances.

Troubleshoot complex technical challenges, using data analysis, multivariate approaches and root cause analysis to identify opportunities for process improvement and optimization.

Monitor technical performance across the network and identify and address areas of technical misalignment.

Present technical findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, influencing decisions through clear scientific and technical communication.

Coach and mentor scientists in Process Development, while contributing to the scientific and technical direction of the wider organization.

What we are looking for:

Extensive experience in bioprocessing, with a strong background in downstream processing and biologic drug substance process development and manufacturing.

A proven track record of leading complex, multidisciplinary projects and matrix teams with minimal direction.

Strong subject matter expertise in at least two relevant areas of bioprocess development and manufacturing.

Experience using digital tools and advanced data analysis to understand and improve bioprocess performance.

Experience with multivariate data analysis, process optimization and structured root cause analysis to solve complex technical challenges.

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence technical decisions and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.

BSc, MSc, BEng or MEng in a relevant scientific or technical discipline; a PhD or equivalent is preferred. Business-fluent English is required.

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.