MSAT Technical Lead - Drug Substance - Biologics

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Sobi seeks a MSAT Technical Lead for Drug Substance Biologics in Basel, full-time and onsite, to act as SME for DS Biologics manufacturing and the process owner for validation, lead manufacturing process improvements and lifecycle management, and drive transfers, deviations, CAPAs, and regulatory documentation (APRs, PQRs, variations). You’ll oversee external CMOs, contribute to product governance, and champion process innovation across a global network. Requires 10+ years in commercial DS Biologics manufacturing, strong upstream experience (mammalian cell culture, cell banking), regulatory know-how, cross functional leadership, English fluency, and up to 30% travel. Apply with an English resume; tailor it to lifecycle management, transfers, and regulatory interactions, and highlight collaboration and impact for ultra-rare diseases.

Company Description

At Sobi, the work we do every day redefines the standards of care and transform the lives of people living with rare diseases.

As a diverse team of entrepreneurial people, we are passionate about our growth journey towards becoming a global leader, making a difference for rare disease patients, moving quickly and always challenging the status quo.

We are committed to an inclusive, sustainable and flexible workplace that fosters growth and development.

Job Description

Science and Technology (SAT) is part of the Global CMC, Science & Technology Department (GCSAT).

GCSAT is a growing organization, responsible for optimization and life cycle management of Sobi’s clinical and commercial manufacturing and analytical processes in our external network. SAT ensures compliant, reliable, cost effective and sustainable manufacturing and testing of our products now and in future. The SAT team holds the senior scientific and technical knowledge for the manufacturing and analytical testing of Sobi’s clinical and commercial products and is responsible for always keeping processes in a validated stage.

The Technical Lead is pivotal in ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes. The incumbent will drive cross-functional collaboration to support the launch and lifecycle management of products, technology transfers, and the implementation of innovative methodologies

Main responsibilities:

• Subject matter expert (SME) for DS Biologics manufacturing.
• Process owner of DS Biologics validation for Sobi products.
• Lead and execute MSAT projects such as manufacturing process and cost improvement as part of life-cycle management (LCM).
• Participate in and lead internal activities related to (external) manufacturing such as process changes, major/critical deviations, risk assessments and CAPAs.
• Issue, review and approve applicable internal and external SOP’s and manufacturing instructions.
• Review and supervise set up, execution and documentation of technical studies, qualifications and validations.
• Write and review applicable sections of the APR/PQR.
• Write and review applicable sections in registration files, variations and market expansion, as well as answer Health authorities requests and questions.
• Support in sourcing evaluation of new DS Biologics contract manufacturers and participation in developing supply and quality agreements.
• Lead the process components of the product transfer, scale up activities, validations and oversee manufacturing of DS Biologics processes at external manufacturers for Sobi projects in clinical and commercial phase.
• Be aware of external pharmaceutical manufacturing technology advancements, understand and introduce new technologies and how they may be applicable to process innovation, cost or yield improvement
• Represent SAT in product governance teams as needed, including potentially coordinating the oversight and escalation of DS, DP and Analytical project portfolio.
• Support SAT and Sobi’s continuous improvement program for internal business processes, systems and templates.

Qualifications

• University education in Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmacy or similar.
• +10 years of experience of  manufacturing of DS Biologics for commercial use. Additional experience in clinical manufacturing and process development for clinical and commercial use is a plus.
• Strong background in Upstream Manufacturing (including Cell banking and new working cell bank implementation).  Mammalian Cell culture mainly  and bacterial fermentation a plus.
• Strong understanding of scale down models and their qualification a plus.
• Scientific and technical background of CMC development, product launch is a plus.
• Experience of regulatory guidelines, and regulatory authorities’ communication.
• Demonstrable experience of working in cross functional team with ability to multitask, prioritize and be an effective decision maker
• Ability to thrive in new, unstructured environments and influence without authority.
• Ability to act independently and take initiative
• Good communication skills, oral/written and listening
• Fluent in English.
• Travelling up to 30% of the time.

Additional Information

How to apply

We have an ongoing selection process in this recruitment and ask you to send your application as soon as possible. Click apply and include your resume in English. 

Why Join Us?

Here at Sobi, our mission and culture get us excited to come to work every day, but here are a few more reasons to join our team:

• Emphasis on work/life balance
• Collaborative and team-oriented environment
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Competitive compensation for your work
• Making a positive impact to help ultra-rare disease patients who are in need of life saving treatments

We are a global company with over 1,900 employees in more than 30 countries and are committed to the societies where we operate. With a deeply skilled management team directing our day-to-day wins, and a Board with a stellar track record, we’re ready to take on the world’s diseases, ailments and adversity. Our people believe they have the power to make a positive impact in others’ lives because that’s exactly what we do here. If you’re seeking a career that taps into your talents in a way that makes the world a better, healthier place, we just may have a job for you.
We know our employees are our most valuable asset, and our culture conveys that. We offer a competitive benefits package, to support the health and happiness of our staff.