Lab Lead; m/w/d
Listed on 2026-10-23
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Research/Development
Robotics, AI Business & Operations
A Career at Lonza What you’ll get
- An agile career and a dynamic work culture
- An inclusive and ethical workplace
- Compensation programs that recognize high performance
- In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect numerous lifestyle, family, and leisure benefits.
- Relocation support for eligible candidate
The Lab of the Future Lead (Director level) defines and advances the future laboratory and analytical agenda across Integrated Biologics, Advanced Synthesis and Specialized Modalities, working closely with the QC organization and relevant analytical functions. The role develops end-to-end concepts for highly automated and increasingly autonomous laboratories, integrating analytical workflows, laboratory equipment, robotics, automated sample handling, digital systems and data into a coherent future-state operating model.
A key focus is identifying how advanced analytical technologies, robotics and automation can transform laboratory operations across QC, R&D and Analytical Development, while also evolving how manufacturing processes are monitored, controlled and released. This includes the integration of PAT, online and at-line monitoring, process prediction, real-time analytics and advanced decision-support capabilities to reduce reliance on traditional offline testing and enable faster, more predictive operations.
The Lab of the Future Lead drives lighthouse projects and pilots to evaluate and validate emerging technologies, translates successful solutions into scalable standards and deployment concepts, and works closely with QC, R&D, Analytical Development, Engineering, Automation, Digital/IT, Advanced Manufacturing Technology and manufacturing functions. As a core member of the Advanced Industry LT, the role connects laboratory and analytical evolution directly with the future manufacturing operating model, enabling safer, faster, more predictive, robust and cost-effective quality operations while maintaining regulatory and compliance requirements.
The role is based in Basel, Switzerland.
- Define the Lab of the Future vision, roadmap and target operating concepts
- Develop end-to-end concepts for highly automated and autonomous laboratories
- Integrate workflows, analytical equipment, robotics, sample handling, digital systems and data
- Align future laboratory concepts with QC, R&D, Analytical Development, platform and manufacturing strategies
- Identify opportunities to automate sample preparation, movement, testing, equipment interaction and result handling
- Evaluate next-generation analytical equipment and automation-ready instrumentation
- Drive application of robotics for repetitive, high-frequency and contamination-sensitive laboratory activities
- Define interfaces between laboratory equipment, robotics, automation systems and digital platforms
- Promote equipment and automation standards that support scalability and replication
- Drive integration of PAT, online/at-line monitoring and real-time analytical capabilities into future manufacturing concepts
- Identify opportunities to shift from offline testing toward continuous monitoring and predictive quality assurance
- Develop use cases for process prediction, advanced analytics and intelligent decision support
- Connect analytical data with process control strategies and future operating models
- Support evolution toward faster release approaches, including real-time release or release by exception where appropriate
- Identify and lead high-value laboratory lighthouse projects and pilots
- Evaluate emerging analytical, automation, robotic and process-monitoring technologies
- Define success criteria covering…
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