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Biotechnologist I - Cell Therapy (Nights) at Lonza in Portsmouth, NH
Job Description
Biotechnologist I – Cell Therapy Manufacturing (Night Shift)
Location: Portsmouth, NH, USA.
At Lonza Portsmouth, we don’t just manufacture medicine; we manufacture hope. In our Cell Therapy asset, we work with human-derived primary cells (patient blood) to create customized, life-saving treatments. Because every batch is made specifically for one individual, there is no "margin for error." We are looking for dedicated individuals who are ready to master a highly technical craft where precision is the absolute standard.
Schedule: Night Shift, 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM, Rotational 2-2-3 Pattern (Note: Your first 2-week orientation and training period will be held on the day shift.)
What You’ll Get
A Rare Professional Trade: We will train you in Aseptic Technique, a specialized skill set that is the "gold standard" of the biotechnology industry.
Direct Patient Connection: You will be the hands that process a specific treatment for a specific person. In Cell Therapy, the work is deeply personal.
Night Shift Advantage: Competitive shift differentials and a predictable schedule that offers consistent time off and every other weekend free.
Inclusive Environment: We welcome candidates from all backgrounds—whether you are a recent graduate or looking for a career change, we provide the path to success.
Full Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and performance-based incentives. lonza.com/careers/benefits.
What You’ll Do
The Discipline of Grade B Gowning: To protect the patient's cells, you will work in a Grade B cleanroom. This requires a high level of physical and mental discipline. You will become an expert in "sterile gowning," wearing specialized head-to-toe protective gear (including hoods, masks, and multiple layers of gloves). You will spend several hours at a time in this controlled environment, which requires patience, focus, and a "zen-like" approach to your work.
Handling Life-Saving Materials: You will work directly with human biological materials (patient starting products). You will learn to handle these materials with the utmost care, understanding that if a mistake is made, there is often no "replacement batch." This is high-stakes work where "Right First Time" is the only goal.
Mastering Aseptic Technique: You will perform meticulous benchwork inside laminar flow hoods. This is a manual, technical, and sometimes repetitive process that requires steady hands and unwavering attention to detail. You will ensure that not a single contaminant enters the patient’s medicine.
The "Science of Small Things": Much of the work is detailed and requires following complex "recipes" (SOPs) perfectly. While the work can be tedious, the impact is massive. You will document every step of your process in real-time, ensuring the medicine’s "story" is as perfect as the product itself.
Who We’re Looking For
Reliability & Resilience: You are someone who shows up for your team and can maintain a high level of focus during a 12-hour night shift.
Technical Curiosity: You don’t need prior biotech experience, but you should enjoy "hands-on" work—whether that’s from a laboratory, a kitchen, a mechanical shop, or any detail-oriented environment.
The "Zero-Mistake" Mindset: You take pride in doing things the right way, every time, even when no one is watching.
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for long periods and work comfortably in full sterile gowning gear.
Fair Hiring & Diversity: We are looking for the best hearts and minds, regardless of your previous industry. If you have the discipline and the desire to save lives, we want to hear from you.
About Lonza
At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.
Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.
Ready to help us manufacture the future? Apply now.