Lab (Operations) Manager - Process Science Upstream

Posted:
3/9/2025, 5:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Hillerød, Denmark

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Operations & Logistics

Would you like to play an important role in the implementation of new processes in our laboratory?

And would you thrive with managing both people and technical operations in a fast-paced laboratory?

Then we hope you are our new Lab Manager in Process Science!

About the job

The upstream Process science lab serves as the entry point for all new programs to the site, where all new cell culture processes are established before transferring them to the manufacturing scale.

The lab also supports critical manufacturing activities such as investigations and validation studies, as well as other MSAT functions.

As an upstream lab manager in Process Science, you will be part of a team with focus on transferring CHO cell culture processes directly from our clients to our small-scale (3-5 L) and pilot scale (50 – 200L) laboratories in Hillerød.

You will primarily ensure efficient lab operations through people management and technical knowhow of upstream operations.

We offer an exciting and challenging job. As no two clients are the same, you will get the chance to work with a broad range of biopharma companies from across the world, whilst deploying industry leading technologies and equipment to run the labs.

Main tasks:

  • Team Management: Hire, train, and manage lab personnel (technicians and scientists), ensuring the daily efficiency of lab operations while promoting FDBD's core behaviors and leading by example. (20%)
  • Technical Oversight: Provide strategic technical support for all lab activities, including tech transfer verifications, non-routine support to Manufacturing, and the implementation of analytical tools. Resolve technical issues related to lab operations. (20%)
  • Client and Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain and facilitate strong client and stakeholder relationships to ensure successful establishment runs within technology transfers and project outcomes. Act as a liaison with external clients and internal sister teams. (15%)
  • Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as a technical expert in the cultivation of cell cultures in fed-batch and perfusion modes, supporting lab functions and investigations. (15%)
  • Project Management: Lead and direct lab capital expenditures and expansion projects, including equipment acquisition and new lab development, ensuring alignment with stakeholder objectives. (20%)
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Interface with scientists across sister teams, including upstream and downstream tech transfer, Tech Transfer Leads, Program Management and Manufacturing, to ensure effective execution of tech transfers. (10%)

Skills & Knowledge: we hope you possess

  • A background as an upstream scientist in mammalian/cell culture process development.
  • Experience in running bioreactors at the bench top scale (< 10 L) and pilot scale. Basic technical understanding of bioreactor setups and aseptic techniques.
  • Technical expertise in fed-batch and perfusion process is an advantage.
  • Excellent communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams and external clients.
  • Demonstrate strong desire for people management
  • The minimum requirements for this role are a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, Chemical/Biochemical engineering, biochemistry or a related field with at least 10 years’ experience, a Master’s degree with 8 year experience or a PhD with 4 years’ experience.

We Hope You Are

Structured in your way of working, can prioritize timelines and you thrive in an agile working environment with great flexibility. We hope you are ready to take up challenges and can handle several tasks at the same time.

Your New Team & Department
The Drug Substance Process Science organization consists of 5 teams: Cell Culture (Upstream), Purification (Downstream), Tech Transfer, Process Data Analytics and Material Science. With over 60 persons in the department from more than 10 countries, you will be part of a very dynamic and vibrant international organization.

The upstream Lab team that you will be managing consists of a dedicated and skilled team of 3 scientists and 6 technicians. And we are still expanding.

We are team players, entrepreneurs, and people who both like details and take greater responsibility beyond our scope of work.

The work environment is international and informal. We keep a high pace and focus on a vital work life balance while having fun. We put a strong emphasis on psychological safety through trust and empowerment within our teams and hope that this is something that speaks to you as well.  

Your application

Has this sparked your interest, then please upload your CV and cover letter. Interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis, so please apply as soon as possible.

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies is a global leader in biologics contract development and manufacturing Organization (CDMO), partnering with innovative biotech and biopharma companies to transform healthcare. With locations in Denmark, the UK, and the USA, we support every stage of our customers’ product lifecycle, from breakthrough cures to life-saving vaccines.

Our success starts with our people—their passion drives progress, innovation, and impact. Join a diverse, inclusive workplace that values collaboration, fosters growth, and empowers future generations. Together, we’re enriching communities, protecting the environment, and reimagining healthcare’s potential.

Shape the future with us—your drive meets boundless opportunity here https://fujifilmdiosynth.com/

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies Denmark (FDBD) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identify or any other protected class.

To all agencies: Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee of FUJIFILM about this requisition. All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at FUJIFILM via-email, the internet or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of FUJIFILM, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged by FUJIFILM for this requisition and a valid agreement with FUJIFILM is in place. In the event a candidate who was submitted outside of the FUJIFILM agency engagement process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.