Principal Scientist, Analytical Chemistry

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 jnj.com.

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

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:

We are looking for: Principal Scientist, Analytical Chemistry

Chemical Process Research & Development (CPRD) – Process Analytical Research (PAR)

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 High‑Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) applied across modalities (small molecules as well as peptides, oligonucleotides, and bioconjugates including ADCs), with a strong interest in broad portfolio impact and digital enablement.

Job Description

As a Principal Scientist, you will provide advanced analytical characterization and problem-solving using HRMS workflows to support chemical process development across the portfolio. You will operate as a scientific leader who partners closely with process chemists and cross-functional stakeholders, and will act as a project analyst, helping drive execution, prioritization, and clear communication of analytical strategy and results across projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply HRMS-based methods to characterize materials across small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides, and bioconjugates (including ADCs), supporting both throughput-driven workflows and complex investigations.

• Lead advanced HRMS characterization strategies for complex modality questions (e.g., bioconjugates, peptide mapping workflows, comparability, and troubleshooting), in partnership with internal SMEs and cross-functional teams.

• Translate complex analytical datasets into clear, actionable process insight to support fit‑for‑purpose decision-making and accelerate development.

• Enable portfolio delivery: act as an analytical scientific lead across multiple projects; act as a project analyst to coordinate analytical plans, timelines, and communication in project governance forums.

• Strengthen digital ways of working: contribute to more automated and reproducible data processing and reporting (e.g., workflow automation, structured data practices) to increase data‑to‑insight efficiency.

• Apply complementary analytical techniques beyond HRMS (e.g., chromatography, spectroscopic or other fit‑for‑purpose tools) as needed to support investigations and project delivery.

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

• Actively contribute to scientific publications, adopt new technologies, and build strong internal and external scientific networks.

Experience and Skills

• Education: PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, (Bio)Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline with 5+ years relevant industrial experience; or MSc with 9+ years relevant experience.

• Core expertise: Demonstrated depth in HRMS and its application to pharmaceutical development problems across modalities (small molecules plus experience in one or more of peptides, oligonucleotides, and/or conjugates).

• Complex modalities: Experience with peptide mapping and/or advanced characterization workflows, including oligonucleotides and bioconjugates (e.g., ADC-related questions).

• Small molecules: Experience using HRMS to support process development through impurity/byproduct profiling, high‑accuracy mass measurements, and fit‑for‑purpose troubleshooting.

• Hands‑on experience with digital enablement (e.g., Python scripting for data processing/automation, reproducible analytical workflows).

• Familiarity with LC/GC/SFC/IC and common LC modes (RP, HILIC; plus IEX/SEC/HIC as applicable).

• Knowledge of organic chemistry and chemical process development is a plus.

• Strong scientific communication skills (oral and written), fluent in English.

• Proven scientific track record (e.g., publications/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