Forensic Chemistry Lead, Particle Investigation and Characterization

About Clear Solutions Laboratories

Clear Solutions Laboratories is a rapidly growing analytical service provider supporting pharmaceutical and biotech companies in ensuring product quality and compliance. We specialize in particle and contamination control, visual inspection, and advanced analytical services.

To support the expansion of our forensic chemistry and particle investigation services, we are looking for a Forensic Chemistry Lead to provide scientific leadership for particle root cause investigations, particle characterization studies, project execution, and client interactions.

Location: Basel, Switzerland (Rosental area)

Start Date: As soon as possible

Employment Rate: 100% permanent position, 100% on site

Tasks

• Lead end-to-end particle root cause investigations for pharmaceutical and biotech products.
• Develop scientifically sound investigation strategies to identify the origin and potential root cause of visible and subvisible particles.
• Lead the identification and characterization of visible particles and subvisible particles
• Design particle investigation studies, including protocol development, selection of suitable analytical techniques, study execution, data interpretation, and documentation.
• Translate analytical results into clear root cause conclusions, risk assessments, and practical recommendations for clients.
• Shape the strategic development of Clear Solutions Laboratories’ forensic chemistry and particle investigation service portfolio by identifying growth opportunities, scientific innovations, and new analytical capabilities.
• Plan resources and oversee the scientific and operational execution of ongoing particle investigation and characterization projects.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work as an integral part of particle investigations, including sample preparation, analytical measurements, method troubleshooting, and confirmation of critical findings.
• Lead by example and work closely with laboratory colleagues, sharing expertise and contributing actively to day-to-day laboratory activities when needed.
• Provide scientific leadership, coaching, and technical support to laboratory team members, fostering open communication, knowledge sharing, and a collaborative, solution-oriented team culture.
• Communicate directly with clients and strategic partners, ensuring alignment on investigation objectives, study design, timelines, results, and next steps.
• Prepare and review technical reports, investigation summaries, presentations, and client-facing scientific documentation.
• Continuously improve investigation workflows, analytical methodologies, and data interpretation approaches to strengthen Clear Solutions Laboratories’ particle contamination control services.

Requirements

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, or a related scientific field, combined with 3-5 years of relevant industry experience; alternatively, an MSc in a related field combined with at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong practical experience in particle root cause investigations, contamination investigations, or failure analysis within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related industries.
• In-depth understanding of visible particle identification and subvisible particle characterization.
• Strong scientific judgment and the ability to integrate analytical results, manufacturing information, and investigation evidence into defensible root cause conclusions.
• Demonstrated leadership skills combined with a collaborative, team-oriented working style and the ability to motivate, coach, and support colleagues.
• A proactive and approachable team player who values shared responsibility, constructive feedback, and collective success.
• Understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, contamination risks, quality systems, and relevant regulatory expectations is a plus
• Experience in project management, resource planning, scientific reporting, and direct client communication.
• Strong hands-on laboratory orientation and a willingness to personally conduct critical analyses alongside scientific, project, and client leadership responsibilities.
• Ability to lead several complex investigations simultaneously in a fast-paced and client-focused environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex scientific findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset, with an interest in developing new services, analytical capabilities, and business opportunities.

Benefits

Work in an exciting, innovative and growing laboratory serving leading pharmaceutical and biotech clients around the world.

The opportunity to lead scientifically challenging investigations with a direct impact on product quality, manufacturing continuity, and patient safety.

Career growth opportunities in a fast-paced and impact-driven company.

A collaborative team environment with flat hierarchies and direct client interactions.

The opportunity to shape and further develop Clear Solutions Laboratories’ forensic chemistry and particle investigation business.

Competitive salary and benefits package.

We are looking forward to your application.