Senior Principal Scientist, Global Process Development

Lonza; Slough; Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global benefits package

On-site collaboration

Job summary

Lonza is seeking a Senior Principal Scientist to lead cross-site Bioprocess Development initiatives in Slough, UK. The role emphasizes hands-on leadership and expert technical guidance in biologics manufacturing.

You will drive projects, mentor scientists, and collaborate with global teams to shape process development strategies and improve manufacturing outcomes.

Qualifications

• Extensive bioprocessing experience, with a focus on downstream processing and biologic drug substance development/manufacturing.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary projects and matrix teams with minimal direction.
• Strong SME in at least two areas of bioprocess development and manufacturing.
• Experience using digital tools and advanced data analysis to improve bioprocess performance.
• Experience with multivariate data analysis, process optimization and structured root cause analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary projects implementing technology changes and ensure milestones, scope and quality.
• Lead matrix teams across functions and sites, building stakeholder relationships and alignment.
• Provide SME across upstream, downstream and/or bioconjugation processes for biologic drug substances.
• Troubleshoot complex technical challenges using data analysis and root cause analysis to identify improvements.
• Monitor technical performance across the network and address misalignment.
• Present findings to internal and external stakeholders to influence decisions.
• Coach and mentor scientists in Process Development and contribute to technical direction.

Skills

Bioprocessing

Downstream processing

Data analysis

Multivariate analysis

Root cause analysis

Project leadership

Stakeholder communication

Education

BSc/MSc/BEng/MEng in a relevant scientific/technical discipline

PhD or equivalent preferred

Job description

Senior Principal Scientist, Global Process Development

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

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.
• The full list of our global benefits can be found here: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits.

What you will do:

• 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.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences?