Senior Scientist (Automation & Technology) - Cape Town at Roche

Key Challenges

• Act as a subject matter expert for automation-related efforts within and beyond the Development group at Roche DIA, Cape Town
• Participate in, and use, advanced scientific techniques during planning and analysis 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.
• Assumes responsibility for the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of results and deliverables.
• Support creating and driving a department-specific technology and automation strategy, with input from management.
• Support 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.
• Ability to work independently within project teams, and manage their time, tasks and deliverables based on project or team priorities.

Who You Are as an Ideal Candidate 

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science or a related field.
• At least 5 years’ experience in automated liquid handling in a biotechnology applications / process development / product development / technical manufacturing function.
• Expert level knowledge on at least one major liquid handling platform (e.g. Hamilton or Tecan), including programming, workflow development, and support is required.
• Demonstrable programming capability with at least one major programming language (e.g. Python, C++ or similar). 
• 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.

Additional Notes

• All short-listed applicants will be expected to complete a written assessment of aptitude and programming competence.

Recommended Knowledge, Skills or Abilities:

• Demonstrated 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, professional communication skills (oral and written) with the ability to present, and effectively engage with stakeholders at all functional levels.
• Plans and executes work independently and manages their own time to accomplish assigned objectives.