Group Leader Drug Linker Development

The actual location of this job is in Visp, Switzerland. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.

Based in Visp, the Group Leader Drug Linker Development will lead the assigned group of PD/MSAT/DSP Chemists working on pipeline development and portfolio optimization of Drug Linker and Toxin products: He/she will also play a significant role in the set up of the Drug Linker Development unit Organization for the Drug Linker Asset under construction.

You will ensure close alignment between your team and the supported production facilities, while collaborating with the ADS Portfolio Optimization and Pipeline Development organizations. In this role, you will be responsible for the roadmap and strategy for continuous improvement, technical capabilities, and capacity of the assigned Development & MSAT scientist team.

This is a highly visible role for a scientist who wants to combine deep technical expertise with people leadership, customer-facing scientific impact, and strategic contribution to a growing Drug Linker Development and Manufacturing organization in the ADC market.

This is a fully site‑based role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.

What you will get: 

• An agile career and dynamic working culture.
• An inclusive and ethical workplace.
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance.
• A variety of benefits dependent on role and location.

The full list of our global benefits can be found here: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits

What you will do:

• Support the Drug Linker Development Organization Head in the ramp up phase of the Accelerate Asset Development unit by defining and supporting the implementation of all critical business processes for drug linker projects
• Manage the hiring process of the Accelerate Chemists for the Drug Linker Accelerate Asset together with the DL Development leadership team.
• Lead the assigned Drug Linker Process Development team of Chemists in line with agreed objectives and commitments and monitor and control their performance.
• Support the responsible Drug Linker Development Organization Head, in alignment with the Drug Linker Development Teams, in managing and allocating required chemists and lab resources resources.
• Guide Development and/or MSAT chemists to enable the efficient and robust transfer of Drug Linker Processes into the supported GMP manufacturing facilities.
• Drive the development and implementation of innovative technologies to increase capability, capacity, and efficiency within Drug Linker Toxin operations and support Lab investment programs for the introduction of relevant technology and tools.
• Act as a technical and scientific expert for Drug Linker Toxin projects internally and externally, responsibility includes creation of external scientific content to enhance reputation and visibility.
• Facilitate close collaboration between the Drug Linker Development team and critical interfaces and related product areas like Bioconjugates and Small Molecules Operations.
• Lead all HR-related aspects for the assigned team and actively contribute to the scientific development of scientists in their areas of expertise.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and safety regulations throughout all activities.
• Support the Head of Drug Linker Organization in assigned initiatives and strategic duties.

What we are looking for:

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline; PhD in Organic Chemistry preferred.
• Approximately 5-10 years of experience in pharmaceutical process development, API development, clinical supply, or manufacturing sciences.
• Proven experience leading complex projects in a matrix organization within clinical supply, development, or manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of chemical process development, scale-up, technology transfer, and GMP manufacturing requirements.
• Good knowledge of Drug Linker technology and understanding of safe work execution in containment assets.
• People management experience or strong motivation to develop into an expanded leadership role, including coaching and talent development.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets and delivering against performance targets.
• Fluent English language skills; German proficiency is a strong asset.

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.