Johnson and Johnson

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com

Job Function:

Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development

Job Sub Function:

Pharmaceutical Product R&D

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium

Job Description:

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine develops treatments that improve the health and lifestyles of people worldwide. Our development areas encompass novel targets in neurologic disorders, gastroenterology, oncology, infectious disease, diabetes, hematology, metabolic disorders, immunologic disorders, pulmonary hypertension and reproductive medicine. The successful candidate will be employed in the department of Chemical Process Research & Development (CPRD).

The CPRD organization focuses on the development of synthetic methodologies and processes for small molecules, oligonucleotides, peptides, antibody-drug conjugates and other emerging modalities. CPRD aims to provide world-class production processes of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) by enhancing efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Its key objectives include refining synthetic routes, scaling up processes from the laboratory to commercial levels, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing environmental impact. Within this department, the Process Analytical Research (PAR) subdepartment plays a critical role in providing analytical data and expertise for all chemical process development activities. PAR ensures quality and performance through the design and implementation of state-of-the-art analytical methods while also generating and documenting essential end-to-end knowledge.

We currently have an open position for a Principal Scientist, High-Throughput Analytical Chemistry within the PAR team, specializing in analytics for biocatalysis and chemocatalysis high-throughput experimentation.

Job Description

As a Principal Scientist, you will focus on providing innovative analytical solutions to support high-throughput experimentation (HTE) in biocatalysis and chemocatalysis. Your role will involve developing methodologies and platforms that enable efficient analysis, reporting and characterization of synthetic routes for small molecule production and related modalities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement analytical methodologies to support HTE labs for biocatalysis and chemocatalysis.
• Build and oversee the analytical platform necessary for efficient HTE screenings.
• Demonstrate a strong knowledge of high-throughput technologies and the digital infrastructure required to integrate these technologies.
• Drive automation efforts to enhance laboratory efficiency and throughput.
• Contribute to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods to build end-to-end capabilities for high-throughput systems, including active learning to improve analytical performance and optimize experimental workflows.

Experience and Skills

• A PhD degree in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, (bio)chemical engineering, or other relevant scientific disciplines with around 3 years of relevant industrial experience, or a master’s degree with 6 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in high-throughput analytical techniques (e.g., ultrafast chromatography, high-speed mass spectrometry concepts, plate-based spectroscopic measurements) and their application in biocatalysis, chemocatalysis, and related synthetic processes.
• Knowledgeable about digital infrastructure and automation technologies (e.g., plate handlers, liquid and solid dispensing systems, co-bots), including the systems required to integrate high-throughput analytical techniques effectively, such as automation systems and data management software capable of connecting plate design to analytical results in an E2E fashion.
• Experience and interest in AI/ML and their applications in research and development settings.
• Proven track record of successful research supported by peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, fluent in English both verbally and in writing.

Key Behaviours

• A cooperative spirit in a diverse, multidisciplinary team is essential, with a strong emphasis on building deep connections and effective collaboration
• Exhibits enthusiasm for laboratory work and a commitment to fostering teamwork and collaboration among all members.
• Demonstrates critical thinking and creativity in addressing complex challenges.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and receptive to new ideas and approaches.
• Exhibits flexibility by adjusting priorities and strategies to meet evolving project needs.
• Mentors colleagues in their areas of expertise and acts as a role model within the team.
• Able to constructively challenge the status quo and advocate for innovative solutions.
• Fosters an inclusive environment that encourages diverse perspectives and new ideas.

Our Offer

An exciting position in an international and dynamic environment with continuous learning and growth opportunities. The opportunity to work with state-of-the-art analytical technologies. An attractive remuneration package with additional benefit packages (for example hospital insurance, and other health care incentives if applicable). An inclusive team environment where diversity and different opinions are respected and valued, and the importance of a good work-life balance is recognized.