Lab Automation and Digitalization Expert - Upstream Process Development (m/w/d)

Summary
LOCATION: Schaftenau, Austria
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid Working, #LI-Hybrid
Our Drug Substance Development team in Schaftenau is seeking an Expert Science & Technology - Upstream Cell Culture Process Development Scientist. In this hands-on role, you'll lead the support lab automation, equipment implementation , digitalization, and contribute to technical improvements. Join us to shape the future of Biologics through technical excellence and smart solutions.
About the Role
We are looking for a hands-on, technically curious team member who thrives in an innovation-focused development environment. If you enjoy solving practical challenges using digital tools, tinkering with equipment, and being the go-to person for all things technical, this role is for you.
You will implement new equipment and tools, support daily lab automation operations, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to continuous improvement with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
Your Responsibilities:
Lab digitalization & automation

• Driving digitalization and lab automation initiatives by proactively identifying opportunities for both existing and new digital tools (e.g., Artificial Intelligence (AI)).
• Support the rollout and maintenance of global data&digitalization initiatives as lab user; e.g. new electronic lab notebook application.

Technology implementation & laboratory operations

• Supporting the technical implementation of new process modalities (e.g. co-cultivation, perfusion etc.)
• Independently planning and executing cell culture experiments in lab- and pilot-scale bioreactors.
• Authoring and reviewing technical documents (e.g., instrument/lab procedures) and providing technical input to scientific reports.
• Contributing to the maintenance and investment planning for lab instruments and infrastructure.
• Leading continuous improvement activities for lab procedures and workflows.

Collaboration & compliance standards

• Mentoring and coaching junior associates.
• Ensuring compliance and data integrity in our development labs in accordance with current Novartis quality guidelines (including equipment qualification, training, and raw data management).

What you'll bring to the role:
Education & Experience

• University degree (MSc, BSc) in life sciences or engineering (biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, or equivalent) with min. 2years of relevant experience; or professional education as a laboratory technician (chemistry, biotechnology, process engineering, or equivalent) with min. 6years of experience in a related field; both with strong practical experience in a laboratory and/or pilot plant environment.

Technical Expertise

• Experience in setting up lab automation procedures is highly desirable.
• Strong interest in digitalization, especially in implementing and optimizing tools such as electronic lab notebooks (ELNs), to drive innovation and efficiency in the lab environment.
• Hands-on experience in running bioprocesses, ideally including the cultivation of animal cells at lab and/or pilot scale.
• Solid understanding of bioprocess engineering principles and upstream unit operations.

Languages

• German (fluent) and English (good command)

You'll receive:
You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook. https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards
In addition to a market-competitive base salary, we offer an attractive incentive program, a modern company pension scheme, childcare facilities, learning and development opportunities as well as worldwide career possibilities within the Novartis group. In accordance with Austrian law, we are obliged to disclose the minimum salary as stated in the collective bargaining agreement. For this position the minimum salary is € 59,781.96 /year (on a full-time basis).
We also offer a potential market oriented excess payment in line with your experience and qualifications.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive working environment and diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Adjustments for Applicants with Disabilities:
If because of a medical condition, physical disability or a neurodiverse condition you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please reach out to disabilities.austria@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request as well as your contact information. The support which we can provide will include advice on suitable positions as well as guidance at all stages of the application process. Austrian law provides candidates the opportunity to involve the local disability representative, Behindertenvertrauensperson (BVP), in the application process. If you would like to request this, please let us know in advance as a note on your CV.
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
Join our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network
Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards