Senior Upstream Process Development Technician

About the role

Join the Biosimilar Technical Development team at Sandoz in Ljubljana and lead upstream process activities for high‑quality biosimilar production. You will plan, execute and document cell‑culture experiments while ensuring strict compliance with SOPs and regulatory guidelines.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, run and document cell‑culture processes, including thawing, passaging and banking of mammalian suspension cells.
• Operate a range of bioreactor systems (Ambr250, Wave, benchtop and pilot‑scale stirred‑tank reactors) and related equipment such as autoclaves.
• Prepare buffers and media, monitor laboratory systems via SCADA, and maintain accurate records.
• Train and coach junior technicians on methods and procedures.
• Support maintenance, infrastructure management and inventory control of the laboratory.

Required profile

• Secondary school degree in pharmaceutical, chemistry or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in upstream process development or a manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail, problem‑solving ability and fluency in English.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Required skills

• Cell‑culture techniques (thawing, passaging, banking of suspension cells).
• Aseptic technique.
• Bioreactor operation (Ambr250, Wave, stirred‑tank reactors).
• Autoclave operation.
• Buffer and media preparation.
• SCADA system monitoring.
• Microsoft Office.

What we offer

• Permanent contract with a six‑month probation period (40 h/week).
• Salary range €26,720 – €40,080 gross per year.
• Annual bonus, vacation allowance, Christmas bonus and share allocation.
• Fully funded supplementary pension (5.844 % of gross salary).
• Life and accident insurance, hybrid work flexibility and remote‑work possibilities.