Principal Scientist, Pharma Product R&D

• Job title Principal Scientist, Pharma Product R&D
• Function Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development
• Sub function Pharmaceutical Product R&D
• Category Principal Scientist, Pharmaceutical Product R&D (ST7)
• Location Beerse / Belgium
• Date posted May 05 2026
• Requisition number R-070649
• Work pattern Hybrid Work

Description

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.

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Job Description:

Principal Scientist - Scientific Integrator Pharmaceutical Product Development & Supply

Position overview

Johnson & Johnson Research & Development develops treatments that improve the health and lifestyles of people worldwide. R&D areas encompass novel targets in neurologic disorders, gastroenterology, oncology, infectious disease, diabetes, hematology, metabolic disorders, immunologic disorders, pulmonary hypertension and reproductive medicine. At Janssen R&D within the Pharmaceutical Product Development & Supply (PPDS) organization we are recruiting a Principal Scientist Scientific Integration, based in the greater area of Antwerp, Belgium.

The Scientific Integrator is the PPDS representative and single point of contact on the CMC (Chemistry Manufacturing & Controls) new product development teams.

The Scientific Integrator serves as the lead for a PPDS sub‑team composed of specialists in Oral Solid Dosage Development, Parenterals & Liquids Development, Pharmaceutical and Material Sciences, and Drug Delivery Systems. The Scientific Integrator will integrate and align Drug Product Development activities to deliver project milestones within established cost, time and quality, and will offer strategic and scientific direction across PPDS/CMC functions.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Implements the Drug Product development strategy for synthetic drug candidates across all clinical phases including regulatory submissions in major and regional markets, and transition to supply chain operations.

• Develops and delivers robust clinical and commercial formulations and scalable manufacturing processes, informed by a deep understanding of compound properties and the Target Product Profile (), to achieve required performance and cost targets.

• Acts as matrix leader to drive project delivery through collaboration within PPDS and cross-functional partnership within the CMC teams, CDT (preclinical and clinical) teams, and the commercial organization.

• Ensures compliance with applicable scientific, quality and regulatory standards throughout development and transfer activities

• Serves as the PPDS representative on the CMC core team, facilitating critical interactions with API and analytical integration partners, supply chain, Quality Assurance, CMC Regulatory Affairs, and external consultants and vendors

• Co-leads the Biopharm team — comprising CMC, clinical, preclinical, regulatory, non-clinical safety and other relevant functions — to select appropriate formulations consistent with the required pharmacokinetic profile, define bridging strategies, establish clinically relevant controls, and derive accurate product specifications.

• Maintain comprehensive understanding of product and process to lead and support drug product development and troubleshooting.

• Leads governance reviews for assigned projects, communicating program status, risks and decision proposals to governance bodies

• Maintains the Drug Product risk register and develops mitigation plans to ensure timely identification, escalation and resolution of issues.

• Ensure all PPDS activities are aligned and integrated to meet project deliverables efficiently.

• Qualifications

  • A master’s degree or PhD in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, together with a minimum of three years’ relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience & Skills

  • Demonstrated high level of scientific and technical competence across drug product development, with the ability to interpret and apply formulation, process and compound-specific data.

  • Consistent track record in process scale-up across clinical phases and in the technical transfer of projects into commercial manufacturing.

  • Established leadership in coordinating integrated activities and delivering essential information across multifunctional teams and multiple sites.

  • Outstanding communication skills with proven adaptability to constantly evolving project strategies and priorities.

  • Decisive, with the ability to make prompt, well-reasoned decisions and to provide strong follow-through and organizational oversight to ensure team and organizational alignment.

  • Ability to influence stakeholders and secure alignment in a matrix environment without direct line authority.

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with proven competence in conflict management and negotiation.

  • This position is based in Beerse, Belgium, and may require up to 5% domestic and international travel.

• 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 process, located close to the vibrant city of Antwerp.

  • A competitive salary, on-site sport 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.

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The anticipated base pay range for this position is:

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.