Experienced Scientist, Oral Peptide Development

• Job title Experienced Scientist, Oral Peptide Development
• Function Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development
• Sub function Pharmaceutical Product R&D
• Category Experienced Scientist, Pharmaceutical Product R&D (ST5)
• Location Beerse / Belgium
• Date posted May 13 2026
• Requisition number R-075319
• Work pattern Fully Onsite

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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About the Department

The Global Drug Product Research and Development (DPRD) organization, part of the Discovery, Product Development and Supply (DPDS) division of JJIM, is dedicated to developing advanced drug delivery solutions. Within DPRD, in the Solids Development department we are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated colleague who shares our ambition to develop break-through products based on orally available versions of peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, and other modalities currently delivered via parenteral injection.

We are currently seeking an Experienced Scientist for Oral Peptide Development at our Beerse site in Antwerp, Belgium. In this pivotal role, you will design and develop novel oral drug delivery systems, scout and evaluate the external innovative solutions and support ongoing collaborations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Foster strong collaboration and networking within global teams.

• Enhance and ensure scientific expertise in oral peptide development focusing on oral solid dosage forms and drug delivery systems.

• Drive innovation with a strong focus on customer needs and teamwork.

• Develop formulation strategies and processes that align with JJIM's commercial capabilities, particularly concentrating on transforming peptides into effective oral solid dosage forms.

Join our team and contribute to the development of innovative therapeutics that can significantly improve patient outcomes worldwide.

Your Impact:

As a key member of our DPRD development team, you will significantly influence the future of drug formulation and process development. Your role will entail a wide array of responsibilities, including:

• Contributing to the Formulation Development: Support and drive the formulation of peptides into oral solid dosage forms.

• Strengthening Stakeholder Relationships: Build and maintain robust relationships with cross-functional stakeholders, collaborating with various departments such as Discovery Pharmaceutics, Preclinical and Clinical, Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Development, API Development, Clinical Supply Chain, and Regulatory.

• Driving Innovation: Optimize existing formulation and technology platforms, using your expertise to develop novel therapeutic solutions such as GI-targeted drug delivery systems via functional coating or additive manufacturing (3D printing). Identify and screen external innovations in drug delivery specifically tailored for oral peptide delivery into solid dosage forms.\

• Collaborative Execution: Work closely with fellow scientists to design, plan, and carry out formulation development activities across our diverse product portfolio.

• Scientific Documentation: Diligently document scientific data and progress, contributing to regulatory submissions, scientific publications, intellectual property initiatives, and strategic decision-making.

• Regulatory, Quality and Safety Compliance: Ensure adherence to regulatory standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and performance-based occupational exposure levels.

Join us in this exciting role to help shape the future of pharmaceutical innovations and enhance patient therapies!

What We Seek:

We are looking for a dynamic individual with a robust background in drug product formulation development, specifically focused on oral peptides. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:

• Educational Background: A Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Industrial Pharmacy, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological or Physical Sciences, or a related field, with preferably 1 year of relevant industry experience. Alternatively, a Bachelors Degree in relevant fields with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience or a Masters Degree in relevant fields with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.

• Formulation Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in formulation design and process development for peptides into oral solid dosage forms. Familiar with opportunities to enhance permeability of peptides in the intestine, as well as experience with GI-targeted or local drug delivery is a distinct advantage.

• Pre-Formulation and Characterization Knowledge: Familiarity with pre-formulation activities and physicochemical characterization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and final drug products.

• Biopharmaceutical background: Familiarity with the in vitro and in vivo performance of peptides administered orally, coupled with a basic knowledge of biopharmaceutical principles specific to oral peptides, would be valuable assets for this position as well.

• Technological Implementation: Expertise in implementing advanced technologies related to drug formulation and development, with the ability to determine critical quality attributes, process parameters, and material attributes.

• Willingness to Travel: A readiness to engage in international travel, approximately 5-15% of the time.

If you are passionate about advancing the field of oral peptide development and possess the qualifications outlined, we encourage you to join our team and make a meaningful impact in pharmaceutical innovation!

Why JJIM:

Our offer:

• Dynamic International Environment: Embark on an exciting journey in a dynamic and international setting that promotes continuous learning and growth opportunities.

• Comprehensive Drug Discovery and Development: Work at a site that encompasses all facets of the drug discovery and development process, conveniently located near the vibrant city of Antwerp.

• Attractive Compensation and Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary package, along with on-site sports facilities, health and energy programs, and additional benefits for you and your family.

• Inclusive Team Culture: Become part of an inclusive team environment where diversity and different perspectives are respected and valued, and where a healthy work-life balance is prioritized.

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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.