Section Lead Particle Design

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections,  where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted, and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop, and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The position:

The Particle Design team at Roche is dedicated to developing robust and efficient processes for small molecule drug substances. This team works at the intersection of chemical engineering, physical chemistry, and pharmaceutical science to define and control the final solid forms and solid-state attributes required for optimal drug product quality and manufacturing.  We are seeking a seasoned leader to lead this team within the Synthetic Molecules Pharmaceutical & Solid State Development organization.  The ideal candidate will have a strong background in solid state sciences and late stage drug substance / drug product process development, excellent interpersonal skills for interdisciplinary collaboration, and serve as a strong role model for cross-functional collaboration and collective leadership.

The Opportunity:

• Lead and develop a high performing team: Directly lead and manage the "Particle Design" section, which includes approximately 20 employees. Hire, mentor and develop team members within the organization. Identify skills, potential and aspirations of employees in the team, and coach them on current performance and future potential. 

• Shape strategic direction: Play an active role in the PTDC-P Leadership Team and PTDC-eLT. Proactively develop and implement strategies for the section and the overall organization.

• Drive portfolio delivery: Ensure development, scale up and successful commercialization of robust, phase-appropriate manufacturing processes for the finishing step (e.g. crystallization and isolation, milling) of Roche’s synthetic molecule drug substance portfolio. Scout and deploy innovative, state-of-the-art methodologies in crystallization and co-processing to optimize solid-state properties.

• Ensure technical excellence: Coach the team members in leading scientific/technical discussions with internal teams (e.g., RED (Research and Early Development) project teams, synthetic chemists, analytical scientists, formulation scientists) to plan, execute, and resolve project-related challenges, and develop sound control strategies.

• Champion project success: Organize internal and external resources for the efficient handling of the project portfolio. Coordinate work processes and scope with partners and stakeholders within the TDT (technical development teams).

• Foster strong partnerships: Promote and organize the collaboration of the Solid State Science group with internal and external clients and partners, including REDs, internal/ external commercial manufacturing, CMO site management, Regulatory Affairs, and PTDC.

• Manage resources and compliance: Ensure modern equipment standards and system support in the laboratories. Be responsible for proactive resource planning, creating credit applications, and managing capital investments for the section. Ensure full adherence to relevant Roche Policies, procedures, and standards for Safety, Health, and Environmental Protection (SHE).

Who you are:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g. organic chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, material sciences or related sciences) with >10 years of experience in CMC development and a record of roles with increasing responsibility.

• An experienced professional in the field of synthetic molecules CMC development, with a solid understanding of the drug substance/ drug product interfaces; experience in development of crystallization/ milling/ finishing steps of classical and non-classical synthetic molecules (e.g. oligonucleotides, peptides) is desirable.

• A strategic thinker who can proactively develop and implement strategies to enhance team and departmental performance.

• A strong team player with a proven ability to manage resources, delegate tasks effectively, who demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate cross-functionally.

• Experienced in talent management, including the hiring, performance evaluation, and talent development.

• Skilled in managing laboratory operations, ensuring equipment standards are maintained and processes are developed and transferred efficiently.

• Proficient in budget and resource planning, with experience in managing capital investments and creating credit applications.

Ready to bring your unique qualities to Roche and make an impact? Apply now and join us in our mission to shape the future of healthcare.

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.