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

Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist Chemical Process Engineering

Johnson & Johnson is the world's most comprehensive and broadly-based manufacturer of health care products, as well as a provider of related services, for the consumer, pharmaceutical, and medical devices markets. Growing on a diverse company culture, celebrating the uniqueness of our employees, committed to inclusion and proud to be an equal opportunity employer, our over 125,000 employees in 60 countries are united in a common mission: To help people everywhere live longer, healthier, happier lives.

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 development of API manufacturing processes through lab-based experimental work combined with process modelling & data analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

• API Process Development: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, optimize, and scale-up processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Lab Experimental Work guided by modelling and statistics.
• Data Analysis: Utilize PAT tools and modeling software, embracing a data-driven attitude. Interest in programming and machine learning techniques to analyze data in an API context is valued.
• Innovative Solutions: Foster innovation by scouting for new technologies and supporting digitalization efforts within R&D.
• Automation: gain hands-on experience with lab automation, including HTE equipment, dispensers, cobots, and flow chemistry platforms.
• Manufacturing Expertise: Gain deep knowledge of manufacturing processes to ensure high-quality products. Support new product launches, technology transfer, and late-stage development.
• 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 & skills:

• Education: PhD or equivalent experience in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline -eg Organic Chemistry-, with a minimum of 4 years of industrial experience in API development or manufacturing. Hands-on experience combined with modelling expertise is preferred.
• 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: Familiar with PAT tools or simulation software (e.g., Dynochem, Aspen, gProms); passionate about chemical and engineering technologies.
• Data Skills: Experience with scientific programming or data science using languages such as Python, R, Julia, or Matlab is considered an advantage.
• Automation Skills: Experience or strong interest in laboratory automation within chemical R&D—such as solid and liquid handling systems, online UPLC, and robotics—is considered an asset. Familiarity with programming, workflow development, protocol validation, and driver development (using Python, C#, or.NET) is desirable but not mandatory. The selected candidate will have opportunities to develop and expand their automation expertise in this role.
• 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.
• Flexible working hours (40 h/week), no fixed holiday planning with many holidays and possibility to work at home for non-laboratory related tasks.