Summary
Location: Schaftenau, Austria
This role plans and performs equipment qualification and maintenance in a GMP-regulated environment, working closely with cross-functional teams and external partners. As system owner and instrument lead, the position manages qualification activities for complex lab systems and software. Responsibilities include overseeing Quality Plan projects, ensuring GxP compliance, supporting digitalization and automation initiatives (such as script programming and robotic system management), maintaining GMP-qualified status, managing changes and deviations, approving documents, and ensuring audit readiness for AO AT infrastructure. The role also promotes workflow standardization across sites and leads to the development and implementation of new digital processes and standards, focusing on robotics and end-to-end operation integration.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities:
- Plans, organizes, performs, and documents qualification and maintenance activities for equipment, facilities, and other laboratory or plant devices with minimal supervision. Acts as Instrument Responsible Person (IRP) and/or System Owner for analytical and storage equipment. Serves as SME for qualification, including compliance and third‑party management. Acts as expert for automation, supporting automated systems and digital solutions.
- Ensures GMP compliance in all activities and maintains required regulatory documentation. Supports health authority inspections, identifies quality issues, and contributes to root‑cause analysis and CAPA. Oversees quality aspects of projects involving instruments, quality plans, training, IT validation, and external partners. Drives improvements in quality performance, compliance, risk management, reporting, and digital/automated systems.
- Understands and applies practices, concepts, and processes within the relevant scientific or technical discipline. Contributes to the development or optimization of methods, procedures, and work instructions. Participate in evaluation and implementation of new laboratory equipment, supporting process, quality, and compliance improvements (including automation and digitalization).
- Writes protocols, reports, and laboratory procedures based on templates under moderate supervision. Operates within clearly defined procedures, with some decision‑making latitude for expected issues. Works according to standards for quality, ethics, health, safety, environment, and information security.
- Recognizes, communicates, and contributes to solving complex problems such as deviations or unexpected experimental results. Addresses and resolves issues within own area of responsibility, with adherence to established guidelines.
- Actively participates in knowledge exchange across teams. Trains and coaches’ technicians and employees in training programs or onboarding.
Essential Requirements:
- Technician with analytical/laboratory relevant experience or degree in a scientific discipline (e.g. Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biotechnology etc.).
- Good scientific or technical knowledge in a pharmaceutical area.
- Good knowledge/skills of laboratory and/or technical tools.
- Good knowledge of software and computer tools, programming/coding experience is beneficial.
- Awareness for safe handling of chemicals, potentially dangerous materials, and equipment.
- Project management and negotiation skills.
- Fluent in English, German is an advantage.
You’ll receive:
You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook. https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards
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 a year (on a full-time basis). The actual salary will be significantly higher, as we strive to maintain a competitive position in the market and consider your previous experience, qualifications and individual competencies.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive working environment and diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Adjustments for Applicants with Disabilities
If because of a medical condition, physical disability or a neurodiverse condition you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please reach out to disabilities.austria@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request as well as your contact information. The support which we can provide will include advice on suitable positions as well as guidance at all stages of the application process. Austrian law provides candidates the opportunity to involve the local disability representative, Behindertenvertrauensperson (BVP), in the application process. If you would like to request this, please let us know in advance as a note on your CV.
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: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
VIDEO
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Adjustments for Applicants with Disabilities
If because of a medical condition, physical disability or a neurodiverse condition you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please reach out to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request as well as your contact information. The support which we can provide will include advice on suitable positions as well as guidance at all stages of the application process. Austrian law provides candidates the opportunity to involve the local disability representative, Behindertenvertrauensperson (BVP), in the application process. If you would like to request this, please let us know in advance as a note on your CV.
