Process Operations Specialist (Upstream Operations)

About the role

A recruitment partner for an international pharmaceutical client is hiring a Process Operations Specialist (Upstream Operations) for a 1-year position starting 01.12.2026, based in Schachen, Lucerne, with primarily onsite work. The role is an Associate Specialist position in the Process Operations group, focused on upstream operations, and requires full-time physical presence at the site to support manufacturing and integrate into an existing team.

Key responsibilities

• Set up, run and troubleshoot upstream and support unit operations in continuous manufacturing and fed-batch processes under GMP
• Ensure compliance with GMP principles and EHS standards in the area of responsibility
• Take part in continuous improvement and support the implementation of new technologies, including non-GMP engineering runs or testing
• Create and update SOPs and electronic master batch records, and review documentation for process transfer and GMP manufacturing
• Manage materials using ERP systems (SAP)
• Take part in sampling activities or on-call duties as required by process scheduling; typical manufacturing does not include shift work

Required profile

• Educational background in a relevant discipline; a bachelor's or master's degree preferred
• 0-2 years of work experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry
• Ability to solve problems, work under pressure in a complex GMP environment and handle internal and external stakeholders
• Fluent in English and German
• Living within about 30 minutes of Schachen (LU) or willingness to relocate
• Category B driver's licence and access to a personal car for on-call duties

Required skills

• Prior experience in GMP manufacturing of biologics, ideally with bioreactor operation
• Familiarity with automated manufacturing systems (DeltaV) and electronic batch records (PAS-X)