Senior Associate in automated cell culture (m/f/d)

For one of our clients, a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals, we are currently looking for a Senior Associate in automated cell culture.


Our research laboratories continuously drive science by relying on leading technology and a strong scientific community. We are here offering an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Associate with a background on large scale cell culture (preferably with automation experience) to join our team in High-Throughput Screening (HTS) and Profiling Team to our joint mission in finding new starting points for drug discovery.
 

General Information: 
 

• Start date: 15.01.2026 
• Latest possible start date: 01.02.2026
• Duration: 6 months
• Contract: temporary contract via Randstad
• Extension: possible up to 1 year
• Workplace: Basel 
• Workload: 80-100%
• Remote/Home Office: not possible
• Working hours: Standard (with possible rare weekend support in emergiencies)
• Department: Lead Discovery
• Team: 11 people

 

Tasks & Responsibilities:
 

• You maintain and operate automated cell culture systems to ensure reliable and reproducible results for large scale cell production for HTS and Profiling campaigns. Optionally, you will contribute to design our new cell culture system with an external vendor.
• With a drive to discover new small molecule leads, you are part of a team that executes automated experiments to support the hit identification by HTS campaigns or lead optimization cycles by weekly profiling assays. Your role involves experimental planning and ordering of material, running biochemical and cellular assays on automated platforms and analysing data.
• You are part of a matrix team in close interaction with the assay development teams tailoring assays with cellular, biochemical/ biophysical, MS or RNA background.
• In a continuous learning mindset, you expand your experience in lab automation and digital workflows to create a lab of the future.

Must-Haves:
 

• You hold an apprenticeship, Bachelor or Master within a relevant field (candidates with a PhD are considered overqualified).
• Min. 2 years of experience in large scale mammalian cell culture and a background in assay development, preferably including High Throughput Screening in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• You are proficient in setting up and executing various cell-based assays, formats, and techniques.
• You have initial knowledge of lab automation and a keen interest in developing within our team, which heavily relies on automation.
• You thrive in a dynamic, inclusive environment where you have full ownership of your contributions and professional development.
• You are resourceful and flexible in problem-solving and adept at working collaboratively and inclusively. You demonstrate meticulous attention to detail and the ability to troubleshoot any issues in assays or automation.
• You possess strong oral and written communication skills and are proficient in preparing and conducting effective meetings.
• Fluent written and verbal communication in English .

Nice to Haves:
 

• Experience with automated cell culture or general lab automation.
• Knowledge of established software scheduling environments (e.g., Cellario, GreenButtonGo, and others) and standard data analysis tools (e.g., Genedata, Spotfire, D360).