Principal/Senior Scientist Chemical Engineering R&D Full-time

Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist Chemical Process Engineering

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 seeking a Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist Chemical Process Engineering to join our growing Chemical Technology & Engineering group within Chemical Process Research & Development (CPRD). In this pivotal role, you will be part of the development team, responsible for the scale-up, optimization, and development of API manufacturing processes, ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality throughout all stages of production. You will also be part of the digital transformation of the Synthetics Development team.

Key Responsibilities:

• API Process Development: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, optimize, and scale-up processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Manufacturing Expertise: Cultivate an in-depth understanding of our manufacturing processes, ensuring the production of high-quality products. Engage in new product introductions, technology transfer, and late-stage development.
• Innovative Solutions: Foster innovation by scouting for new technologies and supporting digitalization efforts within R&D.
• Automation: Experience with lab automation (HTE equipment such as solid and liquid dispensers, cobots, flow chemistry platforms,…)
• Data Analysis: Utilize PAT tools and modeling software, embracing a data-driven attitude. Gain proficiency in programming and machine learning techniques to analyze large sets of data in an API context.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Lead initiatives in collaboration with external networks, including academic institutions and contract research organizations, while ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Encourage a culture of inclusion and teamwork within multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications:

• Education: PhD or equivalent experience in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline, with a minimum of 4 years of industrial experience in API development or manufacturing.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of chemical unit operations (reaction, distillation, crystallization, solid separation, drying) and familiarity with downscale principles and reaction engineering.
• Innovation and Technology: Experience with PAT tools and simulation software; enthusiasm for emerging chemical and engineering technologies.
• Data and Automation Skills: Comfort in handling large datasets, utilizing AI, programming languages, and familiarity with automation technologies (cobots, flow systems, HTE platforms).
• Scientific Passion: A deep interest in scientific advancements in API manufacturing and a commitment to contributing to the progress of the pharmaceutical industry.
• Team Collaboration: Strong social and communication skills with demonstrated experience in leading and collaborating within multi-functional teams in an international setting. Proficiency in English is required.

Our offer:

• Contributing to our mission to continue to bring transformational new medicines to patients.
• Being part of a motivated and experienced research team in an innovative working environment through mentoring programs, e-university and on the job training, we ensure your personal development in a global company.
• A competitive salary, on-site sport accommodations, health/energy programs and other benefits for you and your family are also available.
• Flexible working hours (40 h/week), no fixed holiday planning with many holidays and possibility to work at home for non-laboratory related tasks.

We are looking for an innovative and experienced Senior/Principal Scientist Chemical engineer to join our Chemical Process Research & Development team. Your primary focus will be to design, develop, and optimize active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) processes. This key role involves driving process scale-up, fostering innovation, and advancing digital transformation efforts within our dynamic organization.

Your Impact:

• Develop, optimize and scale-up API processes to ensure safety, high quality, efficiency and sustainability.
• Collaborate globally with cross-functional teams and facilitate technology transfers.
• Utilize automation technologies and data analytics to optimize drug substance processes.
• Lead digital initiatives by applying tools like first principles modeling, statistical analysis, and black-box models.

What You Bring:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline + 4+ years of industry experience.
• Strong expertise in chemical unit operations, reaction engineering, and process development.
• Passion for innovation, wet lab experiments, automation, and data-driven methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Fluency in English.
• Ability to analyze complex datasets and clearly communicate insights to stakeholders.
• Active contributor to scientific publications and presentations, with a proven ability to build professional networks.
• Commitment to Johnson & Johnson's Credo and Leadership principles, integrating them into team objectives and decision-making.