Senior Expert Science

Band

Level 4

Job Description Summary

LOCATION: Kundl, Austria
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid Working, #LI-Hybrid

We are looking for a Senior Expert Science & Technology to join the Drug Substance Development team in Kundl within Downstream Process (DSP) Development to bring new innovative medicines to patients by utilizing the full power of data science & AI tools

We require a highly skilled and motivated Senior scientist with a strong background in downstream process development with a special emphasis on data analysis including Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications to support and advance our downstream bioprocess development efforts.

Given the broad and diverse pipeline from recombinant proteins and antibodies to plasmid DNA our vibrant teams are driving, this role is ideal for a technically skilled and strategically minded individual who thrives at the intersection of biotechnology and data science.

 

Job Description

Major accountabilities:

• Act as Functional Lead for DSP development projects, participate in sub-teams and contribute to overall development strategies and goals and support decision-making. perform complex tasks without having established procedures of downstream processes.
• Support design and deployment of digitalization and automation initiatives by driving PAT (Process Analytical Technologies) tool implementation, data collection (structured and unstructured), curation and statistical analysis; further improve data visualization and interpretation
• Identify and implement AI and generative AI (genAI) solutions to extract insights from structured and unstructured data sources (e.g., Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs), Laboratory Information Management System  (LIMS), scientific publications).
• Support cross-functional digitalization initiatives within global Drug Substance Development, including data infrastructure, lab automation, and digital workflows.
• Communicate effectively across organizational interfaces; lead troubleshooting and transfer of know-how to other departments or external partners.
• Work according to appropriate standards for quality, ethics, health, safety, environment, protection and information security; lead initiatives to ensure continuous improvement; all activities have to be aligned with organizational workflows and procedures.
• Prepare scientific documents for internal and external partners and regulatory submissions; interact with authorities as needed.

Skills/Experience:

• PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Physics, Mathematics or a related field with 2+ years of relevant professional experience ideally with demonstrated exposure to digitalization/automation and data analysis initiatives, or MSc with 6+ years of experience.
• Strong knowledge of DSP operations (chromatography, filtration, etc.) with biochemical background on proteins and nucleic acids
• Hands-on experience in chemical/biological lab or development pilot plant environments for data generation.
• Proficiency in R or Python; Hands-on experience with statistical discovery software (e.g. JMP); Experience with generative AI (e.g. large language models (LLMs), diffusion models) for knowledge extraction, process design, or automation is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with app development frameworks (e.g. Shiny) and mathematical optimization.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
• Fluent in English; German is a plus.

You'll receive: 

You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook.

In addition to a market-competitive base salary, we offer an attractive incentive program, a modern company pension scheme, childcare facilities, learning and development opportunities as well as worldwide career possibilities within the Novartis group. In accordance with Austrian law, we are obliged to disclose the minimum salary as stated in the collective bargaining agreement. For this position the minimum salary is € 65, /year (on a full-time basis).

We also offer a potential market oriented excess payment in line with your experience and qualifications.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive working environment and diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Adjustments for Applicants with Disabilities:

If because of a medical condition, physical disability or a neurodiverse condition you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please reach out to and let us know the nature of your request as well as your contact information. The support which we can provide will include advice on suitable positions as well as guidance at all stages of the application process. Austrian law provides candidates the opportunity to involve the local disability representative, Behindertenvertrauensperson (BVP), in the application process. If you would like to request this, please let us know in advance as a note on your CV.

 

Skills Desired

Coaching Skills, Data Science, Environment, Experiments Design, Health And Safety (Ehs), Laboratory Equipment, Manufacturing Process, Materials Science, Process Simulation, Sop (Standard Operating Procedure), Technical Writing, Waterfall Model

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