Upstream Team Lead

About the role

The Upstream Team Lead provides technical leadership and manufacturing support for Upstream Processing (USP) operations at Lonza’s Visp site. This fully site‑based role requires close, real‑time collaboration to ensure medicines are produced to the highest quality and safety standards.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, execute and document manufacturing campaigns within the USP area.
• Provide technical expertise for mammalian cell culture manufacturing and support technology transfers, process validation, monitoring and lifecycle management.
• Ensure all activities comply with cGMP requirements and approved procedures.
• Conduct SHE, environmental and cleaning risk assessments and implement mitigation measures.
• Act as subject‑matter expert during customer audits, inspections and capital project start‑ups.
• Drive innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of Bioprocess Engineers, managing performance and resource allocation.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in biotechnology, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, process engineering or USP operations.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and problem‑solving skills.
• Fluent English required; German highly desirable.

Required skills

• Mammalian cell culture expertise.
• cGMP manufacturing knowledge.
• Process validation and technology transfer experience.
• Process monitoring and lifecycle management.
• Risk assessment (SHE, environmental, cleaning).
• Capital project commissioning and qualification.