Lead Scientist, Purification Development

Lonza Group Ltd.; Singapore; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Transport to Tuas

Global exposure

Career growth

Benefits package

Job summary

Lonza Singapore is seeking a Lead Scientist, Purification Development to drive downstream process development for therapeutic proteins. You will oversee chromatography, UF/DF, and viral clearance activities, plan studies, and ensure high-quality data for regulatory submissions.

You will train junior scientists, interpret study outcomes, and provide technical support for manufacturing operations. This role offers growth in a global life sciences leader with diverse project exposure.

Qualifications

• Degree or PhD in Life Sciences or related field with industry experience.
• 4–7 years' experience in protein purification and process development; PhD candidates with 2–5 years also considered.
• Strong knowledge of purification techniques and Process Characterization.
• Familiarity with cGMP/BLA requirements preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead process development and characterization activities, including study planning and interpretation.
• Conduct DoE, risk assessments, scale-down studies, and support regulatory submissions.
• Oversee purification activities using chromatography and UF/DF techniques.
• Train and mentor junior scientists and ensure timely project delivery.
• Prepare protocols, reports, SOPs, and technical documentation.
• Provide support for manufacturing operations and tech transfer.
• Coordinate internal/external communications and project coordination.

Skills

Protein purification

Process characterization

DoE data analysis

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Life Sciences or related field

4–7 years protein purification experience

Tools

ÄKTA/UNICORN

JMP

Job description

Lead Scientist, Purification Development

As a Lead Scientist, you will be joining Purification Development team in Lonza Singapore. This group is responsible for the development and characterization of downstream manufacturing processes used to produce novel therapeutic recombinant proteins for Lonza’s global client base. The role provides scientific leadership for process development and characterization activities, serves as a downstream subject matter expert, and delivers technical support for manufacturing and regulatory submission activities.

What you’ll get

• An agile career and dynamic working culture in a global life sciences leader.
• An inclusive and ethical workplace that values diversity and integrity.
• Competitive compensation programs that recognize high performance.
• Professional growth opportunities through cross-functional projects and global exposure.
• Comprehensive medical insurance, with the option to enroll family members at partially subsidized premiums.
• Company transport provided from designated MRT locations to and from the Tuas site.
• Access to Lonza’s full suite of employee benefits:www.lonza.com/careers/benefits

What you’ll do:

• Lead and oversee Process Development, Process Characterization, and/or Viral Clearance activities, including study planning, technical supervision, and interpretation of study outcomes.
• Drive small-scale model studies such as risk assessments (FMEA), scale-down model qualification, Design of Experiments (DoE), resin reuse/lifetime studies, and activities supporting regulatory submissions.
• Lead and support purification activities, including chromatography (Affinity, Mixed-Mode, and Ion Exchange) using ÄKTA/UNICORN systems, ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF), and viral reduction studies.
• Train and mentor junior scientists and new hires in the execution of laboratory activities, while providing training in purification technologies and laboratory techniques.
• Prepare and review high-quality protocols, reports, SOPs and technical documentation.
• Act as project representative for internal and external customer communication and coordinate multiple projects to ensure timely delivery.
• Provide scientific and technical support for manufacturing operations, troubleshooting activities, and technology transfer initiatives.
• Contribute to scientific excellence, operational improvements, safety and departmental training initiatives.

What we’re looking for:

• Degree/PhD in Life Sciences or a related field, with relevant industry experience.
• 4–7 years’ experience in protein purification/process development; PhD candidates with 2–5 years’ experience may also be considered.
• Strong expertise in protein purification, with experience in Process Characterization.
• Experience in , Process Validation and/or Viral Clearance studies is advantageous..
• Experience with statistical software (e.g., JMP) for , DoE data analysis is highly advantageous.
• Understanding of cGMP/BLA requirements is preferred.
• Strong technical writing, communication, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Good team player with the ability to work collaboratively across projects.
• Final role/level will be commensurate with experience.

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.