Principal Scientist, Advanced Synthesis (f/m/d) 80-100% Full-time

Principal Scientist

Lonza is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Principal Scientist to join our Advanced Chemistry Technologies (ACT) team within the Advanced Synthesis Global R&D organization. This is a pivotal role for an experienced professional with deep expertise in technical chemistry or chemical engineering, particularly in areas such as automation and robotics, continuous flow chemistry, or advanced analytics combined with high-throughput experimentation (HTE).

You will lead scientific innovation, drive technical excellence, and contribute to the development of cutting-edge chemical processes that shape the future of our API manufacturing.

What you'll get:

• An agile career and dynamic working culture
• A highly collaborative environment that fosters teamwork and inclusion
• A range of professional development programs to grow your skills and career
• An ethical workplace where tasks are carried out in accordance to the relevant procedures
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance

What you'll do:

• Lead the development and implementation of procedures in chemical synthesis, reaction engineering, and work-up unit operations.
• Design and execute advanced experimental plans using structured problem-solving techniques.
• Analyze complex datasets, draw conclusions, and share insights across teams.
• Represent ACT in cross-functional and customer meetings, acting as a technical lead.
• Mentor and manage 1–3 lab technicians or junior scientists.
• Collaborate with external partners and stay abreast of scientific trends to drive innovation.
• Recommend methodologies, equipment, and suppliers to support strategic decisions.

What we're looking for:

• PhD degree in Technical Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
• Solid proven experience in R&D, chemical synthesis, or process engineering
• Strong background in automation/robotics, continuous flow chemistry, or advanced analytics with HTE
• Proven ability to lead small project teams and mentor junior scientists
• Advanced problem-solving, experimental design, and data analysis capabilities
• Business fluent in English (required); German is an advantage
• Entrepreneurial, reliable, flexible, customer-focused, and safety-conscious

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.

Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.