Specialist Upstream Operations

Join Our Team at Schachen Biotech

Our Schachen site acts as a unique hub, attracting and integrating individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. At Schachen, our employees feel a deep sense of belonging—not only to our company but also to the community we cultivate together.

Schachen Biotech is a premier facility combining advanced technologies with our early-stage clinical pipeline, ensuring effective refinement for future commercial launches. We specialize in biologics drug substance manufacturing for early-phase clinical supplies while serving as a center for technological innovation and strategic advancement.

Position Overview: Specialist Upstream Operations

The Specialist Upstream Operations position requires a full-time presence at our site, enabling optimal integration within our existing team. As a vital member of our expanding manufacturing team, you will play a key role in supporting various activities related to the implementation and GMP manufacturing of early-phase clinical therapies.

Responsibilities

• Set up, execute, and troubleshoot upstream operations in fed-batch processes under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Ensure compliance with GMP principles and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards.
• Manage and document process execution, deviations, changes, and Corrective Action and Preventative Action (CAPA), collaborating with Quality Assurance and other internal stakeholders.
• Engage in continuous improvement efforts and support the implementation of new technologies, including non-GMP engineering runs and testing activities.
• Create and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and electronic master batch records, conducting technical reviews of documentation related to process transfer and GMP manufacturing.
• Manage materials using ERP systems (SAP).
• Mentor and train junior team members, actively participating in knowledge transfer.
• Participate in sampling activities or on-call duties, which may include weekend work.

Your Profile

• Educational background in a relevant discipline.
• 2-5 years of work experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Minimum of 2 years of practical experience in the manufacturing of biologics under GMP, either in upstream or downstream processing.
• Expert knowledge of unit operations in upstream processing of biologics; prior experience with continuous manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Strong problem-solving ability, with a willingness to explore new perspectives and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Business fluency in English and German: Effective communication skills in English (C1) and German (B2).

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with quality management and compliance systems (SAP QM/VeevaVault), including deviation management and CAPA development.
• Familiarity with automated manufacturing systems (DeltaV) and electronic batch records (PAS-X).
• Ability to work efficiently as part of a team while also taking ownership of independent projects.

About Us

Our company is a leading biopharmaceutical organization employing over 1,000 people across three sites in Switzerland, with headquarters located in Lucerne. Our Zurich site functions as a global innovation and development hub, while our Schachen location houses one of our forensic laboratories and handles medicine manufacturing for global clinical trials.

We conduct approximately 40 clinical trials annually across various therapeutic areas, including oncology, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular health. Our extensive portfolio also features vaccines designed for the prevention of illnesses in children, adolescents, and adults, positioning us as a significant player in veterinary medicine as well.

We are deeply committed to our local community, actively participating in initiatives such as the “Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern” and the “Alliance Health Competence.” Our dedication to our employees and the community has earned us the titles of “Top Employer Switzerland” and “Top Employer Europe.”

Apply Online

If you believe you are a suitable match for this role, apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.