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.
Job Function:
Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical DevelopmentJob Sub Function:
Pharmaceutical Product R&DJob Category:
Scientific/TechnologyAll Job Posting Locations:
Beerse, Antwerp, BelgiumJob Description:
About Innovative Medicine
Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow.
Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way.
Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/innovative-medicine
Department Description
Dissolution and In Vitro Release Sciences, Simulations, and Optimization (DISSO) is a global team within Analytical Development (AD), part of Synthetics Development (SD). Together we develop, validate, and transfer dissolution and in vitro release (IVR) methods for immediate, modified, and targeted release formulations across oral, parenteral, long-acting, and other administration routes – characterizing, modeling, and predicting release in standard and biorelevant media, and shaping clinically relevant control strategies across the lifecycle.
Three pillars anchor our work:
- Method and Control Strategy Development – the best QC method and control strategy at launch and beyond.
- Drug Substance / Drug Product and Process Development Support – the best drug product and process at launch and across the lifecycle.
- Talent Development – growing the next generation of leaders in DISSO, AD, and Synthetics Development.
Based at the Beerse Campus, Belgium.
Job Title: Senior Principal Scientist – Dissolution and In Vitro Release Sciences, Simulations, and Optimization (DISSO)
Ready to define the future of dissolution and in vitro release at J&J? Join DISSO as a Senior Principal Scientist – a leading expert who sets scientific strategy at portfolio and project level, sparks innovation in dissolution development, automation, and modeling, and grows the next wave of dissolution scientists. Influence the field externally through Health Authority working groups, scientific conferences, and consortia.
The Successful Candidate
Scientific Leadership & Strategy
How would you move a global dissolution portfolio forward? Define the strategy– spanning dissolution, IVR, biopharmaceutics, and clinically relevant controls. Steer multiple complex programs alongside the DISSO Leadership Team and partners, safeguarding scientific integrity and data quality across every deliverable.
Innovation, Technical Excellence & Process Robustness
What does technical excellence look like in modern dissolution science? Craft robust methods and control strategies that enable smooth execution and thoughtful risk-taking. Accelerate scale-up from early development through commercial transfer, design studies that guide formulation and process choices (biorelevant and biopredictive dissolution, mechanistic modeling, PBBM, IVIVC/IVIVR), and bring in automation, AI-enabled workflows, and digital ways of working together with partners across Drug Product Development, Process Development, CMC RA, Clinical Manufacturing, MSAT, and Quality.
Regulatory & External Scientific Influence
Want to influence how dissolution science is practiced and regulated globally? Translate science into regulatory impact through dissolution and biopharmaceutics sections of IND/IMPD, NDA/MAA, and lifecycle filings, and engage directly with Health Authorities (FDA, EMA, PMDA and others). Shape the external community through HA working groups (e.g., ICH, FDA, EMA), industry consortia, conference talks, and peer-reviewed publications – then bring fresh insights back into DISSO.
Mentorship, Coaching & Communication
Energized by growing people and ideas? Mentor and coach scientists, support matrix teams across DISSO projects, and bring decision-ready scientific narratives to senior management and governance bodies. Embody J&J's Credo and Leadership Imperatives in everyday decisions.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field – or equivalent advanced experience. 10+ years in dissolution sciences, biopharmaceutics, formulation, or analytical development at a major pharmaceutical company, with a clear track record across the full product lifecycle – early and late-stage development, regulatory submission, and commercial lifecycle management – and impact at portfolio level.
Hands-on experience expected in several of:
- Local delivery and long-acting injectable formulations
- Amorphous solid dispersions
- Dissolution modeling (mechanistic and/or PBBM) and IVIVC/IVIVR
- Biopredictive and clinically relevant dissolution methods
- Dissolution automation and digital workflows
Competencies & Knowledge
Ready to bring deep regulatory knowledge into action? Solid command of Health Authority regulations and guidance on dissolution, specifications, formulation/process bridging, IVIVC/IVIVR, and biopharmaceutics, plus comfort engaging the external scientific and regulatory community. A strong mentor and matrix leader who connects teams without relying on formal hierarchy. Navigates GMP environments with ease and crafts high-quality scientific documentation. Curious problem-solver, open to new perspectives, willing to challenge the status quo with care. Digital mindset – at ease with data analysis, modeling, automation, and AI-enabled tools, with attention to data integrity and lineage. Fluent written and spoken English; knowledge of Dutch is a plus, or willingness to learn the basics. Works in line with EH&S rules, GMP, and J&J quality standards.
#DPDP
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
Budget Management, Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC), Clinical Trial Protocols, Data Governance, Developing Others, Drug Discovery Development, Inclusive Leadership, Industry Analysis, Interdisciplinary Work, Leadership, Market Research, Process Improvements, Product Development, Product Strategies, Prototype Development, Researching, Scientific Research, Team ManagementThe anticipated base pay range for this position is:
€96,000.00 - €165,025.00Benefits:
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.
