We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we “follow the science” that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. We believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.

This is a Specialist position within the Process Operations group at our company in the greater Lucerne area. This position requires full-time physical presence at the site to support manufacturing and to enable optimal integration into an existing team. 

As a member of the growing manufacturing team at our company, you will be responsible for supporting various activities related to the implementation and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) manufacturing of early-phase clinical therapies. 

Responsibilities:

• Set up, practical execution and troubleshooting of upstream, downstream and support unit operations in continuous manufacturing and fed-batch processes under GMP. 

• Knowledge of and compliance to GMP principles and Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) standards in the area of responsibility.

• Management and documentation of process execution, deviations, changes and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs). Partnering with Quality Assurance and other internal stakeholders during investigations and technical discussions.  

• Involvement in continuous improvement efforts and support for the implementation of new technologies, including non-GMP engineering runs or testing activities.

• Creation and updates of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and (electronic) master batch records. Technical review of various documentation related to process transfer and GMP manufacturing.

• Material management using ERP systems (SAP).

• Mentoring and training of junior team members, active participation in knowledge transfer.

• Participation in sampling activities or on-call duties, which may include weekend work.

Your Profile:

• Educational background in a relevant discipline.  

• A minimum of 2-5 years of work experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry. 

• A minimum of 2 years of practical experience in the manufacturing of biologics under GMP, either in upstream or downstream processing. 

• Expert knowledge of some unit operations in upstream or downstream processing of biologics. Prior experience with continuous manufacturing is strongly preferred.

• Ability to solve problems and take new perspectives on existing solutions with a desire to continuously learn, improve and develop. Ability to perform under pressure in a complex GMP environment.  

• Business Fluent in English and German.

• Effective oral / written communication skills in English (C1). 

• Oral / written communication skills in German (B2). 

 Preferred Experience and Skills:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant discipline. 

• Experience with quality management and compliance systems (SAP QM/VeevaVault). Experience with deviation management and development of CAPAs. 

• Familiarity with the use of automated systems in manufacturing (DeltaV) and electronic batch records (PAS-X). 

• Ability to work efficiently as part of a team, as well as willingness to take responsibility for independent projects.

THE COMPANY

Our Company has had a presence in Switzerland since 1963. With a regional office and manufacturing/packaging facility, Lucerne is considered the center of operations. Approximately 1,000 people work collaboratively at the four Lucerne locations (Tribschenstrasse, Citybay, Schachen and Kriens). A fifth location has been established in Zurich, aimed at accelerating the development and commercialization of many of our company’s medicines and vaccines, which supports our mission to save and improve lives around the world.

We are proud to be certified as a “Top Employer Switzerland” and “Top Employer Europe” showing the company’s commitment to our employees and the community around us.

Our Werthenstein BioPharma site in Schachen is where we conduct cutting-edge research, develop and analyze new biological agents, produce new products and supply clinical trial products for global clinical studies. The site is also home to one of our global forensic laboratories where we carefully monitor our products through the supply chain to ensure security and safety for our patients.

Who we are …

We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA in the United States and Canada and MSD everywhere else. For more than a century, we have been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our company continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.

What we look for …

Imagine getting up in the morning for a job as important as helping to save and improve lives around the world. Here, you have that opportunity. You can put your empathy, creativity, digital mastery, or scientific genius to work in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues who pursue and bring hope to countless people who are battling some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our team is constantly evolving, so if you are among the intellectually curious, join us—and start making your impact today.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.