Principal Scientist 1: Automation & Technology at Roche

Reporting directly to the Automation & Technology team lead for Reagent and Assay Development (RAD) in Cape Town, the successful candidate for this role will use their technical expertise to assist with automation development and implementation of automated methods on various automated liquid handling platforms installed at the Roche DIA Cape Town site.

1.1. Role And Responsibilities

• Act as a subject matter expert for automation-related efforts within and beyond the RAD group at Roche DIA, Cape Town
• Participate in and use advanced scientific techniques during planning and analyses phases for new assay, process and/or product development.
• Participate in planning, execution, data analysis, protocol and report creation and reviews where required, including but not limited to assay, process and/or product development.
• Responsible for creating and driving a department-specific technology and automation strategy, with input from management.
• Responsible for driving site - specific automation or technology strategies, by cooperating and interacting with site leadership and other stakeholders.
• Serves as representative on project teams as required, both at and outside of the site (within Roche).
• Communicates progress of programmes and projects to senior management and other stakeholders.
• Interacts with Quality, Regulatory, Operations and other functions to support improvement programmes, change management and CAPA activities.
   

1.2. Qualifications And Education Requirements

• At least a Master’s degree in Engineering, Science or a related field.
• At least 7 years’ experience in automated liquid handling in a biotechnology applications / process development / product development / technical manufacturing function.
• Expert level knowledge on Hamilton liquid handling platforms, including programming, workflow development, and support is required.
• Training on and/or experience with other liquid handling platforms is beneficial.
• A qualification or experience in molecular biology-related laboratory techniques and/or theory is beneficial.

1.3. Additional Notes
The successful candidate should possess:

• A working knowledge of automation, manufacturing processes or design processes.
• A working knowledge of reagent and/or assay development and manufacturing processes in a health authority-regulated environment.
• The ability to collaborate and deliver in a complex global organization.
• Experience facilitating workshops and decision-making meetings to reach targeted outcomes.
• Experience managing projects, programs, or portfolios in a strategic or product context.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written) with the ability to present at all functional levels.

The successful candidate furthermore should:

• Develop effective working relationships with stakeholders, peers and partners.
• Be adept at networking and influencing between functions and sites.
• Default toward action, and is excited to find solutions to complex, evolving problems.
• Acknowledge and respect others’ diverse perspectives.