Scientific Support Specialist – Endotoxin Detection Systems & Microbiology

Scientific Support Specialist – Endotoxin Detection Systems & Microbiology
Location: Hyderabad, India

This is an office‑first role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and team alignment, enabling us to deliver our best work. You will work primarily in the office, with the flexibility to work remotely for 40% of your time (two days per week).

The actual location of this job is in Hyderabad, India. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.

Intro Summary of the Role
The Scientific Support Specialist provides expert scientific and technical support for Lonza's endotoxin testing portfolio, including reagents, consumables, software solutions, and instrumentation such as the Nebula® Multimode Reader and PyroTec™ PRO Automated Endotoxin Testing System. The role serves as a subject matter expert (SME) in microbiology, bacterial endotoxins, and endotoxin testing methodologies, supporting customers, sales teams, field service engineers, product management, quality, and R&D.

The incumbent is responsible for resolving complex scientific inquiries, troubleshooting product performance issues, supporting method development and validation activities, conducting customer training, and ensuring the successful implementation of endotoxin testing solutions in regulated environments.

What you will get:
 

• An agile career with the opportunity to drive global HR transformation and continuous improvement initiatives
• An inclusive and ethical workplace where you collaborate with senior stakeholders across a global organization.
• The chance to shape the future of HR through automation, digital solutions, and innovation
• Meaningful work that enhances employee experience, operational excellence, and delivers lasting business impact
• Access to global benefits via https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits

What you will do:

Scientific and Technical Support

• Provide advanced scientific support for endotoxin testing products, reagents, consumables, and instrumentation.
• Support customers utilizing:
  • Kinetic Chromogenic LAL assays
  • Gel Clot assays
  • Turbidimetric assays
  • Recombinant Factor C (where applicable)
  • Endotoxin testing software and data management solutions
• Troubleshoot complex assay performance, contamination, inhibition/enhancement, and validation issues.
• Interpret customer-generated data and recommend scientifically sound corrective actions.
• Support product investigations, complaint handling, and root cause analyses.

Instrument and Software Expertise

• Act as scientific expert for the Nebula® Reader and PyroTec™ PRO System.
• Support installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ) activities.
• Assist customers with:
  • Instrument configuration
  • Method setup
  • Software workflows
  • Data analysis
  • Regulatory compliance requirements
• Collaborate with Field Service Engineers on instrument-related investigations.

Microbiology Expertise

• Provide expert guidance on:
  • Gram-negative bacteria and endotoxin biology
  • Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)
  • Sources of endotoxin contamination
  • Water systems and environmental monitoring
  • Pharmaceutical microbiology
  • Bioprocess contamination control
  • Sterility assurance concepts
• Support microbiological risk assessments and contamination investigations.

Regulatory and Compliance Support

• Maintain knowledge of applicable regulations and guidance including:
  • USP <85>
  • EP 2.6.14
  • JP bacterial endotoxin testing requirements
  • FDA guidance documents
  • GMP requirements
  • Annex 1 contamination control principles
• Support customer audits and scientific documentation requests.
• Assist with method suitability and validation studies.

Customer Training and Education

• Deliver scientific training programs to customers and internal teams.
• Develop application notes, troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and technical presentations.
• Support workshops, webinars, and scientific conferences.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with:
  • Sales
  • Marketing
  • Product Management
  • R&D
  • Quality Assurance
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Field Service teams

Provide customer insights and market feedback to drive product improvements

What we are looking for:

Required Knowledge

Microbiology Knowledge (Expert Level: Specialist II)

• Expert in Gram-negative bacterial physiology and LPS structure and function.
• Understand bacterial endotoxins and pyrogens in depth.
• Experienced in microbial contamination control and environmental monitoring.
• Knowledgeable in WFI systems, cleanroom microbiology, and aseptic manufacturing.
• Apply pharmaceutical microbiology and sterility assurance principles.
• Familiar with bacterial growth, metabolism, and biofilms.
• Aware of cell culture contamination risks and bioprocess microbiology.
• Skilled in bioburden testing and microbial identification techniques.

Endotoxin Testing Knowledge (Expert Level: Specialist III)

• Strong command of LAL assay principles and mechanisms.
• Understand endotoxin chemistry and biology.
• Perform method suitability and inhibition/enhancement testing.
• Evaluate standard curves and interpret assay data.
• Troubleshoot assays and calculate endotoxin limits.
• Support product validation and method transfer activities.
• Advanced knowledge of alternative pyrogen testing, recombinant technologies, and automation platforms.
• Able to apply statistical evaluation to assay performance.

Instrumentation Knowledge (Expert Level)

• Operate and troubleshoot the Nebula® Multimode Reader.
• Manage PyroTec™ PRO System workflow and automation.
• Handle software configuration and data management.
• Understand IQ/OQ/PQ qualification protocols and laboratory automation principles.
• Advanced knowledge of optical detection technologies, robotic liquid handling, and LIMS.
• Follow data integrity principles in all work.

Preferred

• PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together.

Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of. Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.