Senior Principal Scientist, Tech Ops; CMC Science - Recombinant

Senior Principal Scientist, Tech Ops (CMC Science) – Recombinant

Global and can be based in Bern, CH;
Marburg, DE;
King of Prussia, PA, USA; or Kankakee, IL, USA.

The Senior Principal Scientist is a recognized technical expert within the Recombinant Integrated Product Team (IPT), providing advanced scientific expertise and leading complex technical activities to support product lifecycle management. The role contributes to the execution of product strategies by delivering high-quality scientific input, leading defined technical initiatives, and supporting cross‑functional decision‑making to ensure robust product performance and continuous improvement.

• Acts as a subject matter expert in recombinant process science, providing advanced technical knowledge to support complex product‑related activities.
• Leads defined technical work streams or projects within broader product initiatives.
• Delivers high‑quality scientific outcomes in line with project objectives, timelines, and performance expectations.
• Contributes technical input to the development and refinement of the product technical roadmap.
• Identifies and evaluates improvement opportunities (e.g., process robustness, yield, compliance) and supports their assessment and implementation.
• Provides scientific input into business cases and supports data‑driven decision‑making processes.
• Works within a global, matrixed IPT environment, collaborating with Manufacturing, MS&T, Quality, and Regulatory functions.
• Supports alignment of technical activities across sites and functions.
• Engages with stakeholders to ensure effective execution of product‑related initiatives.
• Ensures application of sound scientific principles and compliance in product lifecycle activities, including process changes and technology transfers.
• Provides input to technical decision‑making processes, including change controls, validation strategies, and lifecycle management activities.
• Supports data analysis, process understanding, and technical risk assessments.
• Contributes to the identification and implementation of process improvements and efficiency gains.
• Applies scientific methodologies and data analysis to improve process consistency and product quality.
• Supports implementation of best practices and innovative approaches within the IPT.
• Communicates complex technical information clearly to cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Contributes to technical discussions and governance forums as required.
• Builds effective working relationships to support delivery of product objectives.
• Provides guidance and informal mentoring to junior scientists and team members.
• Contributes to knowledge sharing and continuous development of technical capabilities within the organization.

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or related Life Sciences discipline.
• Typically 8–12 years of relevant experience in biopharmaceutical development and/or manufacturing within a GMP environment.
• Strong expertise in recombinant product process development, manufacturing, and lifecycle management.
• Experience contributing to complex technical projects in a matrix environment.
• Solid understanding of process validation, technology transfer, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates strong project management skills, including planning, coordination, and execution of multiple projects to ensure timely delivery of objectives.

CSL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please visit