Quality Control Specialist II - Virology, Molecular and Cell Biology (m/w/d)

Salary Range:
€60,978.00 - €95,800.00

Band
Level 3

Job Description Summary
#LI-Hybrid

Location: Schaftenau, Austria

Relocation Support: This role is based in Schaftenau, Austria. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

The Quality Control Specialist II supports the implementation, validation, and lifecycle management of virological, molecular biological, and cell-based analytical methods. The role translates scientific concepts into robust, practical, and QC compliant laboratory procedures suitable for routine use and contributes to reliable testing strategies for cell banks and process intermediates of biological products.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in Next Generation Sequencing, including experience with sample preparation, sequencing workflows, bioinformatics interfaces, or interpretation of sequencing results. Experience working in a pharmaceutical Quality Control or other GMP-regulated laboratory environment is highly desirable, along with knowledge of analytical method lifecycle activities such as validation, transfer, change management, and suitability for routine release or stability testing. Familiarity with adventitious agent testing, mycoplasma testing, cell-bank characterization, or testing of process intermediates for biological products is preferred.

The candidate should also have experience coordinating work with contract testing laboratories or cross-site scientific teams and a strong understanding of data integrity principles, laboratory equipment qualification, electronic laboratory systems, and inspection readiness.

Job Description

Major Accountabilities

- Plan, coordinate, and support the execution of development, optimization, and validation/ transfer for cell-based and molecular biological analytical methods with main focus on in vitro virus assay and associated readouts, real-time PCR and next generation sequencing.

- Prepare, review, and maintain analytical procedures, protocols, reports, risk assessments, and other technical or GxP documentation in English.

- Assess method performance, investigate technical issues, identify root causes, and define scientifically sound corrective and preventive actions.

- Coordinate laboratory activities and priorities across QC analysts and collaborating laboratories, including shared use of equipment, facilities, materials, and resources.

- Work closely with other departments like QC, QA, regulatory, manufacturing, development, biosafety, and external partners to ensure that analytical solutions are technically robust and suitable for routine QC use.

- Support deviations, OOx investigations, CAPAs, change controls, data review, and inspection readiness, as applicable.

- Monitor scientific, regulatory, and pharmacopeial developments relevant to virology, molecular biology, cell-based testing, and emerging analytical technologies.

- Drive continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and efficient laboratory workflows while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and compliance.

Obligatory Requirements :

- University degree in virology, molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related life-science discipline; an advanced degree is beneficial.

- Hands-on knowledge of mammalian cell culture and cell-based analytical techniques including experience in virus-based analytical methods and safe handling of biological materials as well as of molecular biological methods such as nucleic acid amplification techniques and related analytical workflows

- Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate laboratory activities, manage priorities, and follow tasks through to completion.

- Clear, proactive, and collaborative communication style, including effective interaction across laboratories, functions, sites, and external partners.

- Ability to analyze complex technical issues, document conclusions clearly, and translate scientific work into practical laboratory procedures.

- Very good written and spoken English; good German skills or willingness to develop them for day-to-day laboratory coordination.

Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

In addition to a market-competitive base salary, we offer an attractive incentive program, a modern company pension scheme, childcare facilities, learning and development opportunities as well as worldwide career possibilities within the Novartis group.

In accordance with Austrian law, we are obliged to disclose the minimum salary as stated in the collective bargaining agreement. For this position the minimum salary is € 59,781.96 EUR /year (on a full-time basis). We also offer a potential market oriented excess payment in line with your experience and qualifications.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:

- Austria: EUR 60,978.00 - 95,800.00 EUR

The salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Read our  brochure  to learn more about our global total rewards offering:  https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO paragraph:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Why Novartis:  Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?  https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards:  Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally:  https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Skills Desired