QC Specialist II

Novartis is looking for a QC Specialist II to join the Laboratory Equipment Qualification team at its Schweizerhalle site, where they manufacture oligonucleotide-based medicines. This on-site, full-time role comes with a two-year temporary contract and is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on problem solving, a strong focus on quality, and a streak of continuous improvement. If you’re excited by enabling precise qualification of equipment and systems, this could be a fit.

The position sits within a facility known for its oligonucleotide-based medicines. Please note that the company does not offer relocation support for this role, so please apply only if you can access the site where you’ll work. The team values curious, ambitious, and collaborative people who want to help shape the future of Quality Control in Schweizerhalle by contributing to innovative solutions and informed, forward-looking decisions.

If you’re after a role that combines hands-on technical work with opportunities to contribute to automation and AI-related efforts, this could be a meaningful way to start contributing from day one.

Keeping equipment qualification on track in the QC lab

You’ll coordinate and oversee change requests and take the lead on drafting and reviewing qualification documentation in line with GMP procedures. You’ll also support improvements to laboratory automation systems and lend a hand with AI-related initiatives, while coordinating qualification activities with laboratory teams and other stakeholders to keep projects progressing smoothly.

What you’ll bring to the role

• Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, life sciences, or a related discipline with a strong technology focus
• Solid understanding of chemical laboratory operations and workflows
• Independent, structured working style with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset
• Experience in programming, automation, or implementing digital solutions
• Fluent in English and German

Desirable extras that help you stand out

• Previous experience working in a GMP-regulated environment
• PhD degree

Pay, benefits and practical details

The expected annual base salary for this role is CHF 72,100.00 to CHF 133,900.00. The job is onsite at the Schweizerhalle site, and a two-year temporary contract is offered. Novartis does not provide relocation assistance for this position, so please apply only if you can access the site.

Novartis describes a rewards package that goes beyond base pay, including insurance and retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs. Flexible and hybrid working options are available where possible, and there is a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave. Base pay is determined using gender-neutral objectives and is periodically reviewed; a performance-based bonus may be offered depending on performance, with further details provided during the application process. For more on total rewards, you can read the Novartis Life handbook: Novartis life handbook.

Note that benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, you can email [email protected] and include the job requisition number in your message.

Tips to help you stand out in your application

Lead with your master’s degree and the field you studied on your resume, especially if it aligns with the tech focus of this role, and make your programming, automation, or digital-solution experience easy to spot. Also call out your English and German language skills since those are essential here.

Show concrete examples of the must-have skills by detailing projects where you coordinated change requests and authored qualification documentation in a GMP setting, and where you contributed to automation or AI initiatives in a lab environment. If possible, quantify outcomes such as time savings or improved data integrity.

Be ready to discuss how you work independently and in a structured way, with real examples of solving problems and driving improvements, including any QC-process enhancements or validation work you’ve led in regulated contexts.

Ask a focused question that demonstrates you’ve thought about the role, for example: what lab automation systems are currently in use and what AI initiatives the team is pursuing, and how success is measured for qualification activities.