Senior Principal Scientist and Group Lead
Location: Cambridge
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 are continually advancing the boundaries of life sciences. As part of our ambitious growth, we are seeking a Senior Principal Scientist and Group Lead for our mammalian expression system R&D COE in Cambridge, United Kingdom. This outstanding opportunity allows you to lead innovative projects from concept to delivery, working at the forefront of scientific research!
Key Responsibilities:
Provide technical leadership to scientific project teams cantered on delivering proprietary host cell line solutions.
Directly lead a small team of scientists, providing clarity, motivation, and support to continuously improve and develop.
Incorporate scientific ideas from diverse sources into novel concepts, ensuring agreement from business units and operations.
Plan and complete innovation projects, proactively handling uncertainties.
Cultivate and uphold strong working connections with essential functional collaborators.
Ensure scientific rigour and GMP requirements are maintained in project development.
Maintain accurate and timely records to appropriate quality standards for yourself and your team.
Prepare high-quality technical analyses and reports for internal and external use.
Drive decision-making through timely and effective communication across all levels.
Share projects with internal collaborators and at external events.
Ensure the work environment and conditions are efficient for team performance and achieving results.
Key Requirements:
MSc or PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or equivalent experience.
Technical expert level with 10+ years’ experience ideally within cell line development and/or industrial R+D setting.
A strong track record in developing ideas, gaining stake holder support and delivery.
Proven experience in leading teams and leadership skills with excellent communication skills where you can work independently but also collaborate effectively.
Wide-ranging background in leading projects and managing personnel.
Substantial experience in molecular biology, specifically gene editing (e.g., CRISPR Cas) and genotype/phenotype characterisation (DNA/RNAseq, qPCR, flow cytometry), ideally in an R&D setting.
Familiarity with mammalian cell culture techniques (transfection, maintenance, single cell isolation, automation for cell line screening, and fed batch).
Consistent track record of delivering high-impact projects on time and with high quality.
Experience working in cross-functional groups to transfer technology and support commercialisation.
Good understanding of the competition and IP landscape relevant to the project.
Ability to identify IP threats and opportunities in active projects or areas of expertise.
Experience with directed evolution and automated screening applications in mammalian cells is helpful.
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.