Application Guide
How to Apply for Manager Global R&D Digital Laboratories (m/f/d)
at BioNTech
🏢 About BioNTech
BioNTech is a pioneering biotechnology company that gained global recognition for developing the first mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. The company continues to lead in individualized cancer immunotherapies and infectious disease vaccines, operating at the intersection of cutting-edge science and digital innovation. Working at BioNTech means contributing to groundbreaking medical advancements in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where digital transformation directly impacts patient outcomes.
About This Role
This role serves as the central point for implementing, developing, and operating enterprise-wide applications in R&D, specifically focusing on digital laboratory systems like ELN, LIMS, and material inventory systems. You'll bridge the gap between R&D scientists and digital solutions, identifying digitalization opportunities in biotechnological, biochemical, and chemical environments while managing user support, change management, and system implementations. Your work directly enables BioNTech's research teams to accelerate discoveries through optimized digital workflows.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day typically starts by addressing user support tickets for global R&D applications, then moves to meetings with process experts to analyze new digitalization opportunities in laboratory workflows. You might spend the afternoon configuring system changes, documenting requirements for interface improvements, and preparing change management communications for upcoming system updates, all while ensuring laboratory scientists can focus on their research with minimal digital disruption.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who BioNTech Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years experience managing scientific applications (ELN, LIMS, material inventory systems) in pharmaceutical or biotechnology R&D environments
- Demonstrates strong understanding of biotech/biochemical/chemical laboratory processes and data requirements
- Possesses proven experience in change management, user support, and system implementation for global R&D teams
- Shows ability to analyze complex process requirements and translate them into digital solutions with multiple stakeholder interfaces
📝 Tips for Applying to BioNTech
Highlight specific experience with ELN and LIMS systems in biotech/pharma R&D - name the systems you've worked with
Quantify your impact on digitalization projects in laboratory environments (e.g., 'reduced data entry time by X%' or 'implemented Y system across Z labs')
Demonstrate your understanding of BioNTech's mRNA platform technology and how digital labs support this research
Show experience with cross-functional interfaces between R&D, automation, and lab management teams
Include examples of managing change for scientific users who may be resistant to new digital tools
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience with digital transformation in biotech/biochemical laboratory environments', 'Specific examples of managing ELN/LIMS implementations or improvements', "How you've successfully bridged communication between technical teams and scientific researchers", "Your understanding of BioNTech's mission and how digital labs accelerate their therapeutic development"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → BioNTech's current pipeline beyond COVID-19 vaccines, particularly their individualized cancer immunotherapies
- → The company's digital transformation initiatives mentioned in recent annual reports or investor presentations
- → Specific laboratory technologies and processes used in mRNA vaccine/therapeutic development
- → BioNTech's corporate culture and values as reflected in employee testimonials and leadership interviews
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic application that doesn't specifically address laboratory digitalization experience in biotech/pharma
- Focusing only on IT/system administration without demonstrating understanding of R&D laboratory workflows
- Failing to show how you've managed the human side of digital transformation with scientific users
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!