Lonza

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across three continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

Role Purpose:

We are currently looking to recruit a Principal Scientist to join the Protein Chemistry group within the Protein and Process Analytics (P&PA) R&D team. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a proved record in analytical innovation, study design, method development and data analysis focused in Protein Chemistry & Characterisation (Mass Spectrometry). Working within this team, you will be delivering high-value technical innovation both via analytical projects and as part of a wider collaborative project team. This high-level scientific position requires extensive experience in the area of analytical separation and characterization of biotherapeutic proteins, with key focus on protein characterisation by MS-based techniques. Minimum requirements include industrial experience with MS characterisation of proteins (peptide mapping, intact and native MS analysis), and different chromatography and separation methods (IEX, SEC, RP, HIC, HILIC, LC-MS, LC-MS/MS, icIEF, CE-SDS) for analysis of relevant protein CQAs (e.g. charge/ size variant analysis, glycosylation profile, purity, PTMs). It also requires ability to analyze and interpret complex data and to develop, optimise and troubleshoot analytical methods applying a QbD approach. The incumbent will be responsible for oversight and execution of the scientific activities of the team, which will include elements of laboratory work, scientific review and coaching, project leadership & management, professional mentoring, technology scouting and driving implementation of new technologies within the Lonza network.

Key Accountabilities and Duties:

• Providing oversight and execute scientific activities with elements of study design and implementation, laboratory work, scientific review, coaching of junior scientists, project leadership & management, professional mentoring, technology scouting
• Evaluation and development of innovative Protein characterisation methods and workflows to support biologics process development
• Performing technology scouting and driving implementation of new technologies and software within the Lonza network
• Providing scientific leadership and direction within the team and leading strong collaboration efforts across the Bio R&D department to maximize synergies and impact
• Engaging in external collaborations and disseminating results through publications and participation to high profile conferences and workshops
• Act as a Protein Characterisation (MS) SME in multiple collaborative projects at a time, being able to guide analytical discussions, translate data into the project context and support project decision making

Qualifications and Required Skills:

• PhD Degree in Life Sciences/ Science or equivalent; Preferred area of study: Biochemistry/ Biomanufacturing/ Biotechnology
• Extensive industry experience (5+ years) in an analytical laboratory focused in MS method development and Protein Characterisation by Mass Spectrometry approaches
• Detailed knowledge and practical application of liquid chromatography (SEC, IEX, HILIC, HIC, RP, affinity), mass spectrometry (LC-MS, LC-MS/MS), other separation methods (icIEF, CE-SDS) for protein analysis, and QbD for method development
• Thorough understanding of the state of the art technologies and its applications for protein analysis, including charge and size variant analysis, titer measurement, glycosylation analysis, product related impurities and determination of post-translational modifications (PTMs)
• Experience with a variety of protein formats, e.g. mAbs, bispecific Abs, fusion proteins and complex glycoproteins
• Research focused, with a keen interest in innovation within the biologics area
• A good general background in established analytical methods within the industry, including the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches
• Documented history of high-quality publications / patent filings in the field of Protein Chemistry
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to directly influence stakeholders in a scientific capacity, and to deliver technical projects within a matrix organization
• Intellect for scoping and design of complex projects.
• High level of empathy and desire to see others succeed
• Proven ability to deliver innovative solutions to scientific challenges, within specific timelines and defined success criteria
• Resilient to setbacks and able to motivate self and others under challenging conditions
• Ability to take calculated risks

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.

People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.