R&D Upstream Scientist II

US05 Lonza Houston Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile culture

Inclusive workplace

Performance-based compensation

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Job summary

Lonza Group Ltd. is seeking an R&D Upstream Scientist II in Houston, TX to drive innovation in scalable viral vector production for gene therapy applications.

This hands-on role focuses on upstream bioprocessing, experimental design, data analysis and cross-functional communication to resolve production bottlenecks. The candidate will lead experiments, mentor a team, and contribute to SOPs and reports, with in-person collaboration at a fully site-based facility.

Qualifications

• Master or Ph.D. degree in molecular virology/biology or chemical engineering with relevant industry experience.
• Experience in bioprocessing and viral vector production is required.
• Strong data analysis and communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to develop next-generation viral production platforms focusing on upstream bioprocessing.
• Independently design and execute experiments and analyze results.
• Maintain accurate records and present updates to management and teams.
• Support lab maintenance and procurement activities and write technical documents.

Skills

Bioprocessing

Cell culture

Viral vector production

Transfection

Ambr15/250

3L bioreactor

Education

Master's degree in molecular virology/biology

Ph.D. in molecular virology/biology

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. Join us. Be you.