(Sr) Principal Scientist Parenterals & Liquids Development

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

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Job Description:

"Caring for the world… one person at a time” … inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science - bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Employees of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world. This culture of caring is the focus of our corporate philosophy, that are anchored in the internationally applicable Credo.

Position overview

J&J Innovative Medicine Research & Development develops treatments that improve the health and lifestyles of people worldwide. R&D development areas encompass novel targets in neurologic disorders, gastroenterology, oncology, diabetes, hematology, metabolic disorders, immunologic disorders, pulmonary hypertension and reproductive medicine. Within Pharmaceutical Product Development & Supply (PPDS), we are recruiting a Senior Principal Scientist / Principal Scientist – Team Lead Oral Peptide Delivery in the Parenterals & Liquids Development (PLD) department in Beerse, Belgium.

In the PLD team, we are at the forefront of innovation. We develop groundbreaking Parenteral and Liquid drug product formulations and processes across our R&D Synthetics portfolio (small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides), from late Discovery to Commercialization. This portfolio covers a variety of formulation types such as solutions, (nano)suspensions, liposomes, lipid-based systems, biodegradable microspheres and rods for various administration routes. This position focuses on establishing new formulation approaches for oral delivery of peptides. 

As a Senior Principal Scientist / Principal Scientist within this role, you will lead a team of scientists dedicated to design and development of oral peptide delivery solutions, identifying novel formulation solutions to overcome the challenges of oral peptide therapeutics and contributing to scientific and technical advancements in this constantly evolving field. You will lead and implement Innovation and Development activities by providing experimental and intellectual input regarding formulation design and manufacturing process development for oral peptides. You will collaborate and coordinate with team members across different areas of drug discovery and pharmaceutical development (pharmaceutical and material sciences, biopharmaceutics, analytical development, DMPK, IP, …) and you will develop formulations for preclinical studies and clinical trials. We are seeking an individual who is passionate about assimilating new insights and transforming challenges into innovative ideas and practical solutions while also eager to lead a team of experts and serve as the primary point of contact for our department.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Leads a team of scientists dedicated to design and development of oral peptide delivery solutions, coaching and fostering talent development within the department.

• Identifies novel formulation solutions to overcome the challenges of oral peptide therapeutics, through internal efforts and external strategic partnerships.

• Develops expertise in assigned technical areas, searches the academic and patent literature to identify current practices, gaps and opportunities relating to the scientific field, and translates new insights into patient-centric solutions in support of drug development.

• Designs formulations, performs hands-on laboratory work, diligently documents scientific data and progress, contributing to regulatory submissions, scientific publications and intellectual property initiatives. Development activities span from discovery over preclinical to clinical phases.

• Collaborates with various internal partners in Drug Development such as Pharmaceutical & Material Sciences, Analytical Development, Discovery Pharmaceutics, Preclinical Safety & Translational Sciences and Pharmaceutical Supply & Engineering Sciences and collaborates with external academic partners and CDMOs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering with at least 5 years of relevant industry and/or academic experience. Alternatively, a Masters Degree in relevant fields with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

• Demonstrated expertise in drug delivery of oral peptides. Familiarity with opportunities to enhance permeability and stability, as well as experience with targeted or local delivery is a distinct advantage.

• Experience in lipid-based formulation design and process development (liposomes, solid-lipid nanoparticles, SNEDDS).

• Ability to leverage literature, evaluate and screen new dosage forms, manufacturing technologies and new drug delivery opportunities.

• Scientific curiosity, innovation mentality, critical thinking capabilities and problem-solving attitude.

• Strong leadership skills and (oral and written) communication skills. Demonstrated competency as team leader to coach and support a team. Ability to partner with external (academic) networks and CDMOs.

• Ability to quickly adapt to constantly evolving scientific challenges with a sense of accountability, leadership and achievement.

• Ability to conduct hands-on experiments accurately and safely in a modern laboratory environment.

Our offer:

• An exciting position in an international and dynamic environment with continuous learning and growth opportunities

• Working on a site that harbors all aspects of the drug discovery and development process, located close to the vibrant city of Antwerp.

• A competitive salary, on-site sports accommodations, health/energy programs and other benefits for you and your family.

• An inclusive team environment where diversity and different opinions are respected and valued, and the importance of a good work-life balance is recognized.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.