Senior Automation Scientist Bioanalytics 80-100% (f/m/d)

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five 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.

At Lonza AG, we have an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Automation Scientist to join our world-class team in Switzerland. In this role, you will significantly contribute to the automation of laboratory processes, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and lowering the workload for our dedicated laboratory staff. Your work will be instrumental in driving our mission to improve lives through science!

Key responsibilities:

• Accountable as SME and IRP (Instrument Responsible Person) for automation platforms in alignment with current standard processes and regulations (e.g. CFR21part11, GAMP5).

• Plan and implement activities in method development and programming on Liquid handling systems (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton) and coding in relevant languages (e.g., Python, C)

• Lead and manage assigned automation projects from planning through execution to close-out, including communication and presentations to vendors, management, and other parties

• Conduct requirement analysis for automation and lead automation from an application point of view

• Build equipment specifications and SOPs (e.g., URS, CS, DS) and support the qualification and validation process of new equipment

• Provide input and participate in all automation aspects of future projects, staying updated with the latest market developments by collaborating with internal and external experts

• Travel to conferences, partner sites, and vendors, including giving presentations

• Supervise, train, and support other scientists and interns in lab automation

• Independently resolve/investigate lab equipment issues by proactively driving the investigation and proposing mitigation measures.

• Deputize for the end-to-end automation manager, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement of assigned processes as required

• Maintain a clean and organized personal laboratory space, adhering to 6S principles and cGMP standards for audit readiness, and support onsite customer/regulatory audits

Key requirements:

• Minimum Master’s degree in biochemistry, biochemical engineering, biochemistry, or equivalent education.

• 3-5 years of experience in planning, implementation, and qualification of projects in lab automation and robotics (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton).

• Technical skills in lab robotics and programming, with a deep understanding of business needs in pharmaceutical laboratories and bioanalytics (e.g., ELISA, cell-based assays).

• Proficiency in programming using VBA, R, C, or Python.

• Understanding of cGMP requirements, including 21 CFR part 11 and GAMP5 or equivalent experience.

• Ability to work with cross-functional teams and translate business challenges into scientific and technological solutions.

• Background in biology or analytical chemistry, preferably bioanalytics.

• Understanding of IT and data engineering with an interest in Data Science.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency in English is a must; additional languages are a plus

Join us at Lonza AG, where your expertise will help mold the future of life sciences and make a meaningful difference in the world!

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.