Associate Principal Scientist – mRNA Process Development (Downstream)

Geleen, The Netherlands

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 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 you to be part of.

As an Associate Principal Scientist within mRNA Process Development, you will focus on downstream purification and scalable process development for mRNA. Working in a multidisciplinary development team, you will design and optimize purification processes that deliver high product quality, process robustness and manufacturability. Your work will support the successful transfer of innovative mRNA processes into GMP manufacturing

What you will get

• Hands-on experience with downstream technologies within an expanding mRNA development platform.

• Close collaboration with MSAT, Analytical Development and Manufacturing teams.

• Opportunities to contribute to innovative process development programs with global impact.

• Compensation programs that recognize high performance.

• 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 .
  

The full-time annual base pay for this position in The Netherlands is expected to range between €53.250 and €74.550 . Initial salary placement within this range will be determined based on role-related factors such as experience, qualifications, and expected contribution.

What you will do

• Design, execute and optimize downstream purification experiments for mRNA process development.

• Develop and optimize chromatography processes, including affinity and ion exchange chromatography.

• Support tangential flow filtration (TFF) development, optimization and scale-up activities.

• Analyze process data to improve yield, purity, scalability and process robustness.

• Contribute to process characterization studies, risk assessments and experimental planning.

• Support technology transfer of downstream processes into GMP manufacturing.

• Document experimental work and communicate technical findings through clear reports and presentations.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance process development projects from early development through manufacturing implementation.
  

What we are looking for

• Degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related scientific field.

• Hands-on experience in downstream process development for biologics, nucleic acids or related biomolecules.

• Experience with chromatography and filtration technologies, including tangential flow filtration (TFF).

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret experimental data and translate findings into process improvements.

• Structured laboratory practices with excellent documentation skills.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary project teams.

• Ability to independently plan, prioritize and execute laboratory activities.

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.

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.

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