MSAT S&D Principal Scientist

Job 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 Development Job Sub Function: Pharmaceutical Product R&D Job Category: Scientific/Technology All Job Posting Locations: Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium, Geel, Antwerp, Belgium Job Description: POSITION SUMMARY The Principal Scientist, Advanced Manufacturing - Synthetics Strategy & Deployment is a global technical and strategic role within Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT). The role is responsible for defining, prioritizing, and deploying advanced manufacturing technologies, digital solutions, and innovation programs across the global synthetic drug substance network. This position serves as a strategic leader for advanced manufacturing deployment, partnering with global and site leadership to accelerate technology adoption, enhance process robustness, improve supply reliability, and realize measurable business value. The Principal Scientist drives deployment strategies from concept through commercialization and lifecycle implementation while ensuring alignment with business priorities, technical roadmaps, and regulatory expectations. The role acts as a global technology leader and trusted advisor to cross-functional stakeholders, enabling scaling and deployment of transformative capabilities including process intensification, real-time release testing (RTRt), process analytical technology (PAT), advanced process control, digital manufacturing, multivariate analytics, modeling, and data-driven manufacturing solutions. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES1. Global Advanced Manufacturing StrategyDevelop and implement global deployment strategies for advanced manufacturing technologies across the synthetic manufacturing network. Partner with MSAT, Supply Chain, JJT, Development, Quality, Specification Management, Regulatory Affairs, and Site Leadership to identify and prioritize deployment opportunities. Establish long-term technical roadmaps aligned with business objectives, capacity strategies, sustainability commitments, and innovation priorities. Shape future-state manufacturing and integrated quality capabilities through evaluation of emerging technologies and industry trends. Influence enterprise investment decisions and technology portfolio prioritization through governance. 2. Technology Deployment LeadershipLead global deployment of advanced manufacturing and integrated quality technologies following a prescribed End-to-End Innovation Deployment Process. Partner with neighboring functions to provide strategic oversight and alignment for technology transfers, scale-up activities, and process implementation. Ensure effective deployment plans are developed and executed across multiple sites and products. Drive standardization and best practices across deployment programs. Ensure successful knowledge transfer and long-term sustainability of deployed technologies. 3. Business Value Creation and RealizationDefine and communicate compelling business cases for deployment opportunities. Lead development of value propositions including cost, quality, reliability, compliance, cycle time, and sustainability benefits. Establish value realization frameworks and performance metrics. Monitor deployment outcomes and ensure achievement of expected business benefits. Support Long Range Financial Planning (LRFP) and strategic business planning activities through robust opportunity evaluation. 4. Technical Leadership and Subject Matter ExpertiseProvide scientific leadership for complex technical challenges associated with commercial manufacturing processes. Guide technical decision-making for manufacturing modernization initiatives. Promote scientific excellence through application of data science, automation, digital technologies, and advanced process understanding. 5. Global Stakeholder Engagement and InfluenceEstablish strong partnerships with manufacturing sites, platform organizations, and external collaborators. Influence leadership through clear communication of technical strategy, risks, opportunities, and progress. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Represent MSAT in governance forums, steering committees, and strategic initiatives. 6. Innovation and External EngagementMonitor external technology developments and benchmark industry capabilities. Develop relationships with academic institutions, technology suppliers, industry consortia, and strategic partners. Evaluate emerging solutions and identify opportunities for competitive advantage. Contribute to publications, patents, and thought leadership activities when appropriate. 7. Technical Documentation and Regulatory SupportAuthor and review technical reports, deployment plans, business cases, and scientific assessments. Support regulatory filings and inspections related to deployment technologies. Ensure documentation meets corporate quality and compliance requirements. Establish and maintain technical standards and deployment guidance documents. Drive consistency in deployment execution and knowledge management globally. LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITIESDemonstrate Credo-based leadership and influence without authority across a global matrix organization. Lead complex, multi-site initiatives with significant business impact. Build and sustain high-performing collaborative networks. KEY QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCEDegreeMS or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemical Engineering, Data Science, or a related scientific discipline preferred with significant relevant experience. ExperienceMinimum 10-15 years of experience in pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, MSAT, process engineering, or related technical functions. Demonstrated experience leading global deployment of complex manufacturing technologies. Experience with commercialization, technology transfer, process validation, and lifecycle management. Technical ExpertiseDemonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Process Intensification Process Analytical Technology (PAT) Real-Time Release Testing (RTRt) Quality Control, Analytical Development Global Regulatory awareness Advanced Process Control (APC) Digital Manufacturing, Data Architecture, SDLC Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applications Digital Twins and Process Modeling Technology Transfer and Commercialization SkillsStrategic thinking and business acumen. Exceptional scientific and technical problem-solving capabilities. Strong project and portfolio management skills. Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to lead within a complex global matrix environment. Demonstrated change management skills Strong technical writing and presentation skills. Demonstrated capability to translate innovation into measurable business value. Strong collaboration and networking capabilities across organizational boundaries. LanguagesFluent in written and spoken English and Dutch. PREFERRED CHARACTERISTICSDemonstrated passion for innovation and manufacturing transformation. Experience in supporting global synthetic drug substance manufacturing networks. Proven