R&D Upstream Scientist II

Lonza; Houston (TX); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile career culture

Inclusive workplace

Performance-based compensation

Job summary

Lonza in Houston, TX is seeking an R&D Upstream Scientist II to lead a team developing next-generation viral production platforms for gene therapy applications. You will drive upstream bioprocessing, design experiments, analyze data, and communicate results across cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on bioprocessing with strong collaboration, documentation, and timely delivery of high-quality results to advance pipelines and therapeutic programs.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in molecular virology/biology or related field.
• Experience in bioprocessing and viral vector production.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Strong team player with ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to develop next-generation viral production platforms focusing on upstream bioprocessing.
• Design and execute experiments; analyze data and present results to cross-functional teams.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure deliverables meet quality standards.
• Present progress updates to R&D management and process development teams.
• Support business development evaluation in viral gene therapy platforms.
• Draft and revise technical documents, SOPs, and reports; assist in lab maintenance.

Skills

Viral vector production

Bioprocessing

Cell culture

Transfection

English communication

Team player

Education

Master's or PhD in molecular virology/biology

Chemical engineering

Tools

Ambr15/250

3L bioreactor

Job description

R&D Upstream Scientist II

The actual location of this job is in Houston, TX USA.

Every day, our teams across the world work together to turn scientific breakthroughs into life-changing medicines that reach up to 100 million patients a year. Lonza is a place where people can make a unique impact, grow their careers and belong.

The R&D Bioprocessing Scientist will work in a high-performing team with the goal of driving innovation in the development of novel scalable viral vector production platforms for use in in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy applications. The successful candidate will identify, develop and implement new and existing viral vector production technologies, specifically upstream bioprocessing, using resources internal and external to Lonza in order to create scalable robust solutions to viral production bottlenecks.

This hands-on bioprocess scientist will design and execute experiments, develop metrics for evaluating results and technologies and procure equipment. The incumbent will be responsible for acquiring, analyzing, and communicating experimental data in cross-functional fashion.

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.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance.

What you will do:

Lead a team to develop next-generation viral production platforms, with focus on various upstream platforms for gene therapy and contributing to pipeline development of novel, high value vectors and bioprocessing methods.

Independently designs and executes experiments, including data analysis and communication. Obtains and analyzes experimental data using statistics and graphing software. Interprets results and proposes next steps.

Maintains accurate and up to date records, including appropriate lab notebook recordings. Capable of achieving deliverables on-time and high-quality.

Present regular updates to supervisor, R&D management and process development teams and/or present at technical meetings.

Supports evaluation of business development opportunities in the area of novel viral gene therapy platforms.

Writes and revises technical documents including lab SOPs, test protocols and reports. Participates in lab maintenance and procurement activities.

Perform other duties as assigned.

What we are looking for:

Master or Ph.D. degree in molecular virology/biology, chemical engineering with more than three years' experience in industry or relevant virus research experience in academia evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.

Skilled in bioprocessing, cell culture, viral vector production, transfection, Ambr15/250, 3L bioreactor.

Excellent communication skills in oral and written English.

Great team player and also capable to work independently.

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, you 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.