Downstream Process Expert - Isolation, API Production Site Development

The Bachem Group is investing in a new planned site in Sisslerfeld in Northwestern Switzerland. This step is part of the long-term strategy to expand production capacity by the end of the decade. The new production site will play a central role in achieving these goals. The design phase of the project offers you unique opportunities to shape the future organization.

As Downstream Process Expert – API Production Site Development (a) 100%, you will play a key technical role in establishing and later developing downstream manufacturing operations, especially isolation operations, for API production. During the project phase, you will support the planning, design, commissioning, and start-up of manufacturing facilities and processes, ensuring GMP-compliant implementation. Once operations are established, you will take technical ownership of downstream processes and drive their continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Your tasks

• Provide technical leadership for the establishment, commissioning, and further development of downstream freeze and spray drying processing operations for API manufacturing
• Support the planning and design of manufacturing equipment, facilities, and production areas, including the development of technical specifications and process concepts
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve GMP-compliant downstream isolation manufacturing processes
• Prepare, review, and maintain technical documentation, SOPs, and risk assessments
• Provide technical support during commissioning, start-up, and the operation and optimization of manufacturing equipment and processes
• Troubleshoot process- and equipment-related issues and drive sustainable improvement measures
• Collaborate closely with TechOps, Engineering, QA, Operations, and Project Management
• Support regulatory inspections and customer audits and contribute to operational excellence initiatives

Your profile

• PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Several years of experience in API downstream processing, especially isolation processing, within a GMP-regulated environment; knowledge of SPPS is an advantage
• Experience in the planning, construction, commissioning, start-up, or expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities
• In-depth knowledge of freeze and spray drying
• Strong knowledge of chemical process engineering, equipment and facility design, and relevant regulatory requirements, including ICH Q7, FDA, and EMA
• Experience with process control systems and recipe configuration
• Strong technical affinity combined with a structured, solution-oriented approach to complex engineering challenges
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and project management skills, with fluency in German and English, both written and spoken

Our offer:

• The role offers broad exposure across global Technical Operations and Innovation Platforms and close collaboration with senior stakeholders, enabling strong professional visibility and the opportunity to shape groupwide innovation long-term.
• A dynamic and rapidly growing work environment with internal development opportunities
• Employee development through numerous internal and external training opportunities
• 60% coverage of pension fund contributions by Bachem AG as well as option for extra-mandatory pension provision with our Pension Plan Plus
• Access to the Swibeco benefits platform with discounts from external partners
• Fresh, healthy and varied food in our staff restaurant 
• A wide range of free sports activities on the Bachem Campus 

Would you like to shape global Operational Readiness frameworks with us?

We look forward to receiving your complete application documents via our application portal.

Learn more about the Bachem Group and our working environment at the Stein site on our website.