Project Leader - Microbial Downstream Process Development

Project Leader - Microbial Downstream Process Development

Lonza

Visp, Switzerland

In this role, the Project Leader will oversee all technical aspects of downstream process development. The position requires deep expertise in designing and executing complex DSP projects, ensuring scientific excellence, operational efficiency and alignment with the company’s strategic goals.

What you will do:

• Acts as a technical and administrative project lead for DSP development projects;
• Serves as the primary on-site customer interface, ensuring alignment with agreed project objectives, timelines and deliverables;
• Coordinates with cross-functional teams (USP, MSAT, QA, QC, etc.) to ensure smooth and timely project execution and handover;
• Ensures high-quality documentation, including experimental plans, reports, risk assessments and technical transfer packages;
• Anticipates scientific and technological developments in the field of microbial DSP and drives the implementation of innovative technologies;
• Shares its knowledge and expertise within the team and coaches other team members.

What are we looking for:

• PhD degree in relevant field of expertise (biotechnology, chemical engineering, protein chemistry); alternatively a Master’s degree with relevant industry experience;
• Practical experience and strong scientific expertise in downstream processing;
• Ability to analyze complex scientific and technical challenges and develop non-routine solutions;
• Proven leadership skills to motivate, guide and develop team members within a matrix organization;
• Strong collaboration and communication abilities, enabling effective interaction within multidisciplinary teams and across the organization;
• Experience with ELN systems, basic programming or scripting, statistical tools (e.g. DoE) or automation technologies is an advantage;
• Fluency in English is required, German is a plus.