Lead Scientist, R&D (Upstream)

Lead Scientist, R&D (Upstream Processing)

Location: 100% On-site. Portsmouth, NH.  Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families.

The R&D Lead Scientist, Upstream Processing (USP) is expected to design and lead experimental work programs around the evaluation and implementation of process analytical technologies (PAT) for legacy and new mammalian manufacturing upstream unit operations to produce monoclonal antibodies (mAb) bispecific antibodies (bsAb) and non- mAb modalities (Fab, enzyme etc...).

What you will get:

• An agile career and dynamic working culture.

• An inclusive and ethical workplace.

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• 401(k) matching plan.

• Competitive compensation programs that reward high performance.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Access to our full list of global benefits: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits

What you will do:

• Lead complex USP programs, taking full accountability for project results while effectively managing team execution and guarding against scope creep.

• Drive scientific innovation, process robustness, and performance optimization for PAT experiments.

• Oversee and support daily USP activities, including inoculum subcultures, cell culture operations, and alarm responses.

• Leverage domain expertise to solve complex problems and guide both high-level business strategies and technical decisions.

• Foster a high-performing team culture through clear communication, active coaching, and decisive leadership.

• Navigate demanding situations seamlessly and escalate critical issues to the appropriate Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).

• Uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity while ensuring all work creates maximum commercial value.

What we are looking for:

• Bachelor of Science degree required, preferred in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or Biology with 5+ years of relevant experience.

• Experience with spectroscopic modeling fermentation or mammalian cell culture.

• Experience with process control of fed-batch, intensified fed-batch and / or perfusion mammalian cell culture.

• Understanding of complex biochemical pathways pertaining to mammalian cell culture and protein production.

• Demonstrate scientific and technical leadership at a project level. 

• Design, direct and execute work taking into account the value of activities and guarding against scope creep.

• Collaborate with Scientists in other Lonza business units, academia, and industrial partners to further the knowledge capital of Lonza.

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 offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 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.