Senior Scientist Upstream Process Development (MSAT)
On-site · Wädenswil, Zurich, Switzerland
Job Summary
Senior Scientist Upstream Process Development (MSAT) to lead hands-on upstream development, technology transfer, and scale-up activities at CDMOs for biologics. Responsibilities include evaluating CDMO fit-for-purpose, directing transfer strategies, translating development processes into manufacturing-ready workflows, performing bench-to-pilot scale fermentation, leading scale-up to ≥1000 L, preparing MSAT deliverables and tech transfer packages, monitoring GMP runs, and acting as the technical owner of the upstream process at the CDMO. Cross-functional collaboration with process development, analytical development, and protein sciences teams; design of contamination-control strategies; evaluation of new technologies to enhance upstream performance; and independent, proactive problem-solving in a fast-moving bioprocess environment. Required experience spans MSAT, upstream process development, and technology transfer across multiple expression systems, with strong fermentation and bioreactor expertise, and experience transferring processes to CMOs; willingness to work predominantly on bench work; ability to operate in GMP contexts; and excellent communication skills.
Required Qualifications
- MSc/PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, or related field
- 5+ years of extensive industry experience in MSAT / upstream process development, technology transfer and implementation for biologics, ideally across multiple expression systems
- Strong hands-on expertise with bioreactors, fermentation control systems, and scale-up principles
- Experience designing and reviewing contamination-control strategies for long upstream processes, operational risks, equipment risks, cleaning strategies, and monitoring plans
- Demonstrated success transferring processes to CMOs and supporting external manufacturing campaigns
- Strong familiarity with how CDMOs operate, including facility constraints, equipment variability, scheduling realities, and cross-functional communication pathways
- Ability to critically evaluate whether a CDMO’s facility, utilities, and equipment can support the process as designed, and to identify required adaptations without compromising product quality
- Solid understanding of bioprocess engineering fundamentals, metabolic principles, and cell physiology
- Broad hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture platforms, including fed-batch and perfusion, across small-scale, pilot, and commercial environments
- Experience with diverse microbial expression system is a plus
- Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and drive progress with minimal supervision
- Willingness to work at least 70% on the bench
- Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with common bioprocess software tools
- Creative, resourceful, and energized by technical challenges
- Strong engineering mindset paired with scientific depth
- Highly independent and proactive in identifying and solving problems
- Comfortable working in a dynamic, time-bound project environment
- Clear communicator with a collaborative spirit
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