Lead Scientist 1 (Purification)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Scientist I（Purification） to lead purification science and chromatographic technology development across discovery and development programs and join our R&D team in Nansha, Guangzhou. This role will serve as the technical leader for purification strategy design, chromatographic method development, process optimization, scale-up, and modeling of complex molecules, supporting small molecules, oligonucleotides, ADC linker/payloads, conjugates, and emerging therapeutic modalities.

The successful candidate will establish and advance purification capabilities, solve challenging separation problems, and provide scientific leadership across multiple project teams from early discovery through process development and technology transfer.

Key Responsibilities

1. Purification Science Leadership

• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) in chromatographic separations and purification technologies.
• Develop innovative purification strategies for complex molecules, including: traditional small molecules, oligonucleotides, ADC payloads, linkers and linker-payloads, PROTACs and other advanced modalities
• Anticipate emerging scientific and technological trends and evaluate their applicability to Lonza's R&D strategy.
• Present scientific findings to internal governance committees and external scientific forums.

2. Chromatography Development

• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot purification processes using flash chromatography, preparative HPLC, ion-exchange chromatography, chiral chromatography and other alternative purification technologies
• Evaluate stationary phases, mobile phase systems, and separation mechanisms to achieve robust and efficient purification processes.
• Develop scalable chromatographic solutions from milligram to kilogram quantities.
• Use of advanced modeling techniques to speed up process development and scale-up.

3. Process Support & Platform Development

• Collaborate with synthetic and process chemists to develop practical and scalable purification strategies.
• Drive purification process scale-up and technology transfer to pilot plant and manufacturing environments.
• Establish best practices, workflows, and standards for purification process development.
• Build chromatography capability and technical expertise within the organization.
• Evaluate and implement emerging purification technologies, automation, and modeling solutions.

4. Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with chemists, engineers, and platform teams.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide purification expertise to project teams and development strategy discussions.
• Support root-cause investigations and resolution of purification-related challenges.
• Interface with global R&D teams and external partners where needed
• Drive scientific excellence and innovation culture within the team

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD’s degree with significant experience in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related fields with minimum 5 years of relevant industrial or applied research experience.
• Alternatively, Master's degree with minimum 10 years of industrial experience.
• Proven ability to solve difficult separation challenges and develop practical purification strategies.
• Experience working across multiple stages of drug development from discovery through development.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

Preferred:

• Industrial experience in pharmaceutical CDMO, API development, specialty chemicals, or advanced materials industries.
• Experience with ADC payloads, linkers, or highly potent compounds.
• Experience with peptide, oligonucleotide, or conjugated molecule purification.
• Experience supporting technology transfer and commercial manufacturing.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking R&D organization driving next-generation chemistry innovation
• Work at the intersection of chemistry, automation, and data science
• Collaborate with global experts in a highly interdisciplinary environment
• Access to cutting-edge laboratory infrastructure and digital platforms
• Competitive compensation and career development opportunities

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.