Senior Scientist – Pilot Full-time

Pilot Senior Scientist – FTC

The actual location of this job is in Slough, United Kingdom. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.

As a Pilot Senior Scientist at Lonza, you will play a critical role in leading the execution and technical transfer of downstream processes from development into pilot-scale operations. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of science and manufacturing, directly contributing to the successful delivery of innovative therapies to patients worldwide.

What You Will Get:

• An agile career and dynamic working culture that supports professional growth.
• An inclusive and ethical workplace where diverse perspectives are valued.
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance and contribution.
• A variety of benefits dependent on role and location.

The full list of our global benefits can be found here: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits

What You Will Do:

• Lead the planning, preparation, and execution of pilot-scale batches for downstream processes, ensuring delivery to agreed timelines and customer outcomes.
• Drive the technical transfer of new and existing processes from internal and external customers using structured, compliant approaches.
• Work closely with Process Development, R&D, MSAT, and New Product Introduction (NPI) teams to resolve technical and operational challenges before and during batch execution.
• Prepare and review high-quality process documentation, including batch process descriptions, datasheets, and transfer documentation, suitable for scale-up to cGMP manufacturing.
• Proactively identify, assess, and manage technical and operational risks, escalating appropriately where support is required.
• Analyse batch data using structured approaches, identify trends, and contribute to process summary reports and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement, contributing to EHS initiatives, productivity improvements, and yield optimization.

What We Are Looking For:

• Recognised scientific and technical expertise in downstream processing within a pilot plant or manufacturing-related environment.
• Strong ability to lead routine and non-routine unit operations independently, using a structured and compliant approach.
• Proven experience in preparing technical documentation, reports, protocols, and SOPs to a high standard.
• Demonstrated problem-solving capability, with strong attention to technical detail and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships across scientific and operational teams.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• A Bachelor's degree (BSc or BEng) in Biological Sciences, Biochemical Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent transferable experience.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone's ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that's the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you're ready to help turn our customers' breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.