Manager Cell Line Development (m/f/d)

Job description

Location Glycothera is a specialized CDMO supporting biologics development across cell line development, process development, analytics, and GMP-aligned testing. Operating from integrated sites in Julich and Hanover, Germany, the company works within a unified scientific and quality framework that enables reliable, regulatory-ready CMC execution. With nearly three decades of development experience and long-standing contributions to biologics supported by EMA and FDA approvals, Glycothera partners with biotech and pharmaceutical companies to advance development programs with scientific depth, precision, and consistency. We are currently looking for a manager to strengthen our R&D capacity at our Jülich site. The role focuses on the generation of regulatory-compliant CHO-K1 cell lines for the production of biopharmaceuticals. Role Overview We are a growth-oriented biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and manufacture of biologic drugs. To strengthen our Cell Line Development team, we are looking for a committed leader, effective immediately, to actively help shape our processes and provide technical and strategic leadership for our team. Key Responsibilities and Work assignments Technical and functional leadership of a Cell Line Development (CLD) team, including resource planning, staff development, and performance reviews Planning, coordination, and management of commercial CLD projects, from cloning through GMP-compliant cell banking Responsibility for cell line development of recombinant proteins (e.g., monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins) in CHO and other expression systems Monitoring and optimization of the internal CLD workflow, in particular the fed-batch process in miniaturized bioreactor systems (ambr15, ambr250) and shake flasks Experience in the establishment of cell banks (MCB, WCB) in accordance with GMP requirements, including cell bank documentation and qualification, is desirable Preparation, review, and approval of regulatory documents such as SOPs, qualification plans, and CLD CMC sections for regulatory submissions Analysis, interpretation, and presentation of analytical data from cell culture, fed-batch processes, and quality analytics — both internally and to customers and authorities Ensuring data integrity, traceability, and a high standard of scientific documentation quality Close collaboration with Process Development, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Project Management Continuous development of methods, workflows, and standards within CLD, including evaluation of new technologies and automation solutions Your profile Scientific university degree (Master's / Diploma / PhD) in Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field >3 years of professional experience in CLD, with in-depth practical knowledge of cloning, pool selection, characterization, and scale-up of mammalian cell lines (in particular CHO cells) Experience leading commercial development projects, including timeline, budget, and stakeholder management Demonstrable leadership experience managing scientific teams, with a proven ability to motivate, develop, and guide team members toward shared goals. Proven experience in preparing GMP-compliant documentation, including SOPs, qualification documents, and CMC submissions Strong analytical skills with experience evaluating, interpreting, and presenting complex data sets from cell culture and protein analytics. Excellent communication skills in both German and English (written and spoken), enabling effective collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications Experience in process development with miniaturized bioreactor systems, in particular ambr15 and ambr250, as well as shake flask systems Knowledge of cell banking (generation, qualification, and storage of MCB/WCB) in accordance with ICH and GMP guidelines Industry background from a CDMO, pharmaceutical company, or comparable commercial environment Knowledge of the application and development of analytical methods (in particular: qPCR, dPCR, Southern blot, N-glycan analysis (RFMS), HP-SEC, CEX, cIEF, CE-SDS, binding assays, etc.) for cell line and protein characterization Personal Competencies Strong sense of responsibility and an independent, structured way of working Excellent teamwork and communication skills — at both the staff and management level Proactive, solution-oriented working style with strong analytical thinking Quick comprehension and the ability to set priorities in a dynamic environment High level of self-motivation, commitment, and a hands-on mentality Very good analytical thinking and confident scientific decision-making Accurate, quality-conscious working style with an eye for detail Enjoyment of developing team members professionally and fostering a constructive team culture Why us? A responsible leadership role in an innovative biopharmaceutical company The opportunity to actively help shape modern cell line development technologies Flat hierarchies, short decision-making paths, and a collegial working environment Individual training and development opportunities Room for professional and personal growth, and the chance to actively shape processes, structures, and team capabilities Attractive, performance-based compensation and modern laboratory equipment Flexible working hours and the option of remote working by arrangement Contact information We look forward to receiving your complete application (cover letter, CV, relevant references), including your earliest possible start date. Please submit your documents through our online portal. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of gender, age, background, or disability.