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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: Company Profile

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 across multiple modalities, including small molecules, oligonucleotides, peptides, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), 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, Analytical Chemistry, specializing in analytics for complex synthetic modalities, with a current focus on ADCs/bioconjugates and oligonucleotides.

Job Description

As a Principal Scientist, you will provide advanced analytical characterization and problem-solving to support chemical process development for new/complex modalities, with a current focus on ADCs/bioconjugates and oligonucleotides (incl. siRNA).

You will operate as a scientific leader who partners closely with process chemists and cross-functional stakeholders, and you will help drive execution, prioritization, and clear communication of analytical strategy and results across projects.

You will maintain an active, hands-on laboratory contribution, personally designing and executing analytical experiments and troubleshooting complex problems alongside the team.

You will guide and mentor junior scientists and project analysts and drive innovation growth through internal and external scientific networks, including collaborations with universities and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply fit-for-purpose analytical methods to characterize materials and address complex questions for ADCs/bioconjugates and oligonucleotides (incl. siRNA), supporting both portfolio delivery and investigations/troubleshooting.

• Lead advanced characterization strategies for complex modality questions in partnership with internal SMEs and cross-functional teams, and translate complex datasets into clear, actionable process insight to support decision-making.

• Enable portfolio delivery by acting as an analytical scientific lead across multiple projects and supporting planning, prioritization, timelines, and communication in project governance forums.

• Sustain an active hands-on laboratory presence including method development and optimization and execution of analytical experiments, with accountability for data quality, documentation, and clear reporting.

• Mentor and coach colleagues; contribute to building sustainable capability and knowledge-sharing within PAR.

• Lead innovation growth in this area by building strong internal and external scientific networks, including collaborations with universities and other external partners; actively adopt new technologies and approaches into PAR practice.

• Actively contribute to scientific excellence through publications/patents and a strong scientific track record, and represent PAR through internal and external scientific engagement.

Experience and Skills

• Education: PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline with 5+ years relevant industrial experience; or MSc with 9+ years relevant experience.

• Deep expertise in analytical characterization of complex modalities, with relevant experience working with ADCs/bioconjugates and/or oligonucleotides.

• Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience in developing, executing, and troubleshooting analytical methods for complex synthetic modalities.

• Strong practical proficiency in analytical techniques relevant for complex modality characterization, including MS and LC-based analytical techniques (e.g., LCMS/UPLC and appropriate LC modes such as RP/HIC/SEC/IEX as applicable).

• Experience using HRMS to characterize oligonucleotides (including full‑length products and impurities) and ADCs/bioconjugates (intact mass, subunit analysis, and peptide mapping).

• Familiarity with complementary non‑MS methods (e.g., CE, spectroscopy, glycan profiling, or other assays supporting biologics development) is preferred.

• Experience with residual protein and/or enzyme-related analytics (e.g., residual enzyme determination, total protein quantification, or related approaches) is an asset.

• Interest and some experience in small-molecule and peptide analytics is preferred.

• Ability to independently generate, interpret, and troubleshoot complex analytical data; strong scientific judgement and problem-solving.

• Demonstrated strength in project management, including design, prioritization, and delivery of analytical milestones in cross-functional teams.

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), fluent in English; ability to translate complex analytical output into clear, actionable conclusions.

• Proven scientific track record (e.g., peer-reviewed publications and/or patents/technical leadership).

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.

Required Skills: Preferred Skills:

Budget Management, Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC), Clinical Trial Protocols, Critical Thinking, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Drug Discovery Development, Industry Analysis, Interdisciplinary Work, Market Research, Organizing, Pharmacokinetic Modeling, Process Improvements, Product Development, Product Strategies, Report Writing, Safety-Oriented, Scientific Research