Formulation/Process Senior Scientist (LNP), Parenterals and Liquid Development (temporary role 5yrs) Full-time

Senior 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.

We are searching for the best talent for a Senior Scientist, Parenterals & Liquids Development located in Beerse, Belgium.

Purpose: Within Drug Product Research and Development (DPRD) we are seeking a Formulation/Process Senior Scientist with a primary focus on Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) and targeted Lipid Nanoparticle (t-LNP) technologies in the Parenterals & Liquids Development (PLD) department. 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 is focused on expanding our capabilities in LNP and t-LNP systems for the delivery of RNA-based therapeutics.

As a Senior Scientist within the team, you will primarily contribute to the development of innovative t-LNP drug products from early development through late clinical stages and commercialization – while also contributing your formulation and process expertise across the broader range of technologies developed within the PLD team. You will lead and implement formulation and process development activities supporting the design, characterization, scale-up, and tech transfer for clinical translation of t-LNP as well as other drug delivery platforms. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams including RNA drug substance development, Protein development, Chemistry, Process engineering, Analytical development, Pharmaceutical and Material sciences, Clinical supply, and external partners to advance the cutting-edge delivery platform.

You will be responsible for:

• Performs formulation and process development activities for innovative parenteral and liquid dosage forms across our R&D Synthetics portfolio, with strong focus formulation and process optimization of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and targeted lipid nanoparticle (t-LNP) systems intended for the delivery of RNA and other advanced therapeutics.
• Develop and optimize LNP manufacturing processes, including nanoparticle formation, TFF, conjugation, sterile filtration, and fill-finish considerations. Performs hands-on laboratory work and collects results in electronic lab notebook and reports.
• Provide technical leadership for scale-up, technology transfer, and clinical manufacturing activities. Contribute to regulatory submissions, patent applications, tech transfer reports and documentation.
• Collaborates with various internal partners in Drug Development such as Protein development, Chemistry, Process engineering, Pharmaceutical & Material Sciences, Analytical Development and Pharmaceutical Supply & Engineering Sciences and collaborates with external industrial partners, academic partners and CDMOs.
• 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.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Education: Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical/Chemical Engineering or Biochemistry with 6 years of experience, Master's degree with 4 years of experience, or PhD with 2 years of experience is required

Required:

• Demonstrated hands on experience in parenteral / liquid formulation and process development for lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and/or targeted lipid nanoparticle (t-LNP) systems for the delivery of RNA or other advanced therapeutics.
• Scientific curiosity, innovation mindset, critical thinking capabilities and problem-solving attitude.
• Ability to leverage literature, evaluate and screen new manufacturing technologies and new drug delivery opportunities.
• Excellent teammate with strong oral and written communication skills, who thrives in a collaborative environment. Ability to partner with external (industrial and 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.

Preferred:

• Specific hands-on expertise (t)LNPs characterization, scale up and manufacturing technologies (i.e.: Microfluidic or mixing technologies, Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) process development, Conjugation technologies for targeted delivery systems).
• Background in other advanced drug delivery technologies such as Liposomes, biodegradable microspheres, nanosuspensions, injectable biodegradable rods, in-situ gels, etc.

Required Skills: Drug Product Development, Nanoparticles

Preferred Skills: Collaboration, Drug Discovery Development, Market Research, Organizing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Trends, Product Development, Product Strategies, Report Writing, Research Documents, Research Proposals, Scientific Research, Standard Scientific Processes and Procedures, Technologically Savvy

The anticipated base pay range for this position is: €72,500.00 – €115,230.00

Benefits: In addition to base pay, we offer the following benefits*: an annual bonus with set target (% of pay) depending on pay grade / location, where the actual amount is based on the employees' and companies' performance of the previous calendar year, or sales commissions. Moreover, we offer vacation days, parental leave for a minimum of 12 weeks, bereavement leave, caregiver leave, volunteer leave, well-being reimbursement, programs for financial, physical and mental health. We also offer service anniversary and recognition awards, and subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees – and in some location's eligible dependents – can participate in several insurance plans. For more information, visit Employee benefits | Supporting well-being & career growth | Johnson & Johnson Careers.

*This is for informative purposes only. Amounts and actual benefits may vary by location and are subject to change.