Job Description

Salary Range:

€56,100.00 - €104,300.00#LI-Onsite
Location: Baarle Nassau, Netherlands

The position is offered as 1 year contract, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a permanent role. Weekend work may be required as part of a team-based rotation.

Relocation Support: This role is based in Baarle Nassau, Netherlands. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

The Quality Control Lab Lead provides operational leadership of the QC laboratory, ensuring that all testing, monitoring, and support activities are executed in compliance with cGMP requirements and in alignment with site production needs. The role coordinates daily laboratory operations, resources, materials, and priorities in a multi-team, 7-day manufacturing environment, driving consistency in execution, and ensures timely product and material release.

The role contributes to the quality control processes of the medicinal products of Novartis RLT according to the Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, Specifications and Methods of Analysis as laid down in the quality system.

In addition, the Lab Lead acts as a key interface between QC, QA, and manufacturing, supports investigations and continuous improvement initiatives, and maintains the laboratory in a constant state of inspection readiness.

Deadline for applications: 17th of July 2026

Major accountabilities:

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day QC laboratory activities across teams to ensure timely product and material release, adequate team coverage, and continuity of testing during weekends, absences, or peak demand.
• Monitor laboratory workflow, identify bottlenecks, adjust priorities proactively, and ensure efficient execution of daily QC operations.
• Maintain the laboratory in a constant state of inspection readiness through excellent housekeeping, proper inventory management, and compliance with required standards.
• Coach, manage, and support QC operational teams by providing performance guidance, leadership support, and acting as primary trainer/qualifier for laboratory practices.
• Ensure timely execution of QC activities in compliance with all cGxP, regulatory, and HSE requirements.
• C oordinate with Metrologist for the timely execution of calibration, maintenance and investigational activities in the analytical laboratory and support AS&T in the implementation of new technologies and projects within the scope of the analytical laboratory and Quality Control.
• Support audits and inspections as the operational lead, and act as TMS-C where required.
• Act as backup to provide operational support in QC release testing (product and materials) as needed. Ensure testing continuity during weekends, absences, or peak demand.

Obligatory Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in QC, Microbiology, or Analytical Development within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Solid experience with routine QC testing and/or supporting QC operations in a GMP-regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of good laboratory practices, cGMP requirements, and preferably GMP Annex 1 requirements.
• Proven people management and coaching skills, with the ability to support and develop laboratory teams.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills, with a responsive, pragmatic, and solution-oriented approach.
• Good planning, prioritization, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple parallel issues, projects, and lab activities.
• Continuous improvement mindset, openness to feedback and change, and ability to contribute to process optimization.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: €56,100 to €104,300.

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired