In-vitro pharmacology and cell culture specialist

About Nutreco

Nutreco is a leading global animal nutrition company offering solutions that go beyond nutrition. We support our customers to produce more feed in a sustainable way to feed the growing population.

In 2021, Nutreco established the Nutreco Exploration (NutEx) group who develops novel and proprietary ultra-specialty ingredients and empowers development of innovative functional feeds.

In order to discover novel ideas and develop them into exclusive ingredients, NutEx engages in two programs, i.e., phytotechnology and microtechnology.

For the phytotechnology program, Nutreco founded a Competence Center for Medicinal Plant Solutions (Nutreco Garden of the Future = NuGaFu). Located in Switzerland’s Phytovalley near the Austrian and German border, the Center commands state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities allowing the conduct of all activities required for the discovery and development of PhytoComplexes used in the feed industry (bioactivity modelling facilities, phytochemistry laboratory, in vitro propagation laboratory, plant breeding greenhouse, medicinal plant exhibition garden, experimental field station for plant domestication work).

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced cell biologist and bioassay developer to join our discovery team and lead the in vitro biomodelling laboratory.

As an in vitro bioassay scientist, you will play a key role in advancing our discovery programmes through the development and implementation of innovative in vitro assays. These efforts will support the identification of suitable candidates for the development of our PhytoComplexes.

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced cell biologist and assay developer to join our growing team. In this role you will be responsible for the development and execution of in vitro bioassay activities. This role involves hands-on work in the laboratory as well as a project management role within the discovery activities. You will work in a dynamic and innovative team focused on cutting-edge science with opportunities for professional development.

This is a laboratory based role requiring you to be based full time at our site in the Lake of Costance area of Switzerland.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and execute cell-based assays to assess the biological activity of potential candidates across multiple indications and targets in support of the Discovery Programme
• Collaborate with the discovery team in all steps of the discovery process and provide cell biology expertise
• Ability to independently design, run, troubleshoot and interpret experiments
• Contribute to data analysis, visualisation and interpretation of experimental results.
• Write internal study reports.
• Liaise with external CROs to augment internal capabilities.
• Responsible for in vitro bioassay laboratory management, procurement and maintenance of laboratory reagents and equipment.

Work experience

• Master's or PhD degree with several years' experience preferably in life sciences, molecular biology or experimental pharmacology.
• A solid background in assay development for biochemical and cellular assays in support of discovery projects.
• Proficiency in standard cell and molecular biology techniques, including plate-based assays (ELISA, MSD, etc.), cell-based assays, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, reporter gene and gene expression studies, etc.
• Strong motivation to quickly learn new skills, grow as a scientist and adapt to new challenges.
• Team player with the ability to work effectively in a project-oriented, fast-paced environment.
• Highly flexible, responsive and accountable work ethic.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present results.
• Proficient in relevant software (e.g. GraphPad Prism) and Microsoft Office suite (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, etc.).

Further requirements:

• Good written and spoken German and English skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, collaborating with team members.
• An open and communicative personality with willingness to work in a discovery environment with partly non-linear workflows.

This role will be based in Arbon, Switzerland; local labor conditions apply.

We offer a highly creative, diverse, scientific, and imaginative environment with direct business impact and working in an interdisciplinary team with highly qualified, motivated people in a pleasant working environment and flexible working hours.

We are looking for an engaged, hands-on team member who is aiming to further develop her-/himself, the team, and the company.