Group Leader Development - MSAT Drug Linker

Group Leader Development - MSAT Drug Linker

Lonza

Visp, Switzerland

Based in Visp, the Group Leader Development/MSAT Drug Linker-Toxin will lead the assigned Process Development and/or MSAT chemists working on pipeline development and portfolio optimization of Drug Linker-Toxin products.

You will ensure close alignment between your team and the supported production facilities, while collaborating with the ADS Portfolio Optimization and Pipeline Development organizations. In this role, you will be responsible for the roadmap and strategy for continuous improvement, technical capabilities, and capacity of the assigned Development & MSAT scientist team.

This is a highly visible role for a scientist who wants to combine deep technical expertise with people leadership, customer-facing scientific impact, and strategic contribution to a growing ADC manufacturing organization.

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 do:

• Lead, coordinate, execute, control, and monitor the performance of assigned Drug Linker-Toxin Process Development and/or MSAT chemists in line with agreed objectives and commitments.
• Support the responsible Drug Linker Organization Head, in alignment with the Lab Team Group Leader and lab production managers, in managing and allocating required chemist resources.
• Guide Development and/or MSAT chemists to enable efficient, robust transfer of Drug Linker-Toxin production processes into supported GMP manufacturing facilities.
• Drive the development and implementation of innovative technologies to increase capability, capacity, and efficiency within Drug Linker-Toxin operations.
• Act as a technical and scientific expert for Drug Linker-Toxin projects internally and externally, including creation of external scientific content to enhance reputation and visibility.
• Facilitate the exchange of best practices in Drug Linker-Toxin projects and containment technology across teams and functions.
• Lead all HR-related aspects for the assigned team and actively contribute to the scientific development of scientists in their areas of expertise.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and safety regulations throughout all activities.
• Support the Head of Drug Linker Organization in assigned initiatives and strategic duties.

What we are looking for:

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline; PhD in Organic Chemistry preferred.
• Approximately 5-10 years of experience in pharmaceutical process development, API development, clinical supply, or manufacturing sciences.
• Proven experience leading complex projects in a matrix organization within clinical supply, development, or manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of chemical process development, scale-up, technology transfer, and GMP manufacturing requirements.
• Good knowledge of Drug Linker-Toxin technology and understanding of safe work execution in containment assets.
• People management experience or strong motivation to develop into an expanded leadership role, including coaching and talent development.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets and delivering against performance targets.
• Fluent English language skills; German proficiency is a strong asset.