Position overview

J& J Innovative Medicine Research & Development develops treatments that improve the health and lifestyles of people worldwide. R& D development areas encompass novel targets in neurologic disorders, gastroenterology, oncology, diabetes, hematology, metabolic disorders, immunologic disorders, pulmonary hypertension and reproductive medicine. Within Pharmaceutical Product Development & Supply (PPDS), we are recruiting a Senior Scientist – Oral Peptide Delivery in the Parenterals & Liquids Development (PLD) department in Beerse, Belgium.

In the PLD team, we are at the forefront of innovation. We develop groundbreaking Parenteral and Liquid drug product formulations and processes across our R& D Synthetics portfolio (small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides), from late Discovery to Commercialization. This portfolio covers a variety of formulation types such as solutions, (nano)suspensions, liposomes, lipid-based systems, biodegradable microspheres and rods for various administration routes. This position focuses on establishing new formulation approaches for oral delivery of peptides.

As a Senior Scientist within this role, you will identify novel formulation solutions to overcome the challenges of oral peptide therapeutics and contribute to scientific and technical advancements in this constantly evolving field. You will implement Innovation and Development activities by providing experimental and intellectual input regarding formulation design and manufacturing process development for oral peptides. You will collaborate and coordinate with team members across different areas of drug discovery and pharmaceutical development (pharmaceutical and material sciences, biopharmaceutics, analytical development, DMPK, IP, …) and you will develop formulations for preclinical studies and clinical trials. This position will include hands-on, lab-based research while offering leadership and growth opportunities. We are seeking an individual who is passionate about the prospect of assimilating new insights and transform challenges into innovative ideas and practical solutions.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Identifies novel formulation solutions to overcome the challenges of oral peptide therapeutics, through internal efforts and external strategic partnerships.
• Develops expertise in assigned technical areas, searches the academic and patent literature to identify current practices, gaps and opportunities relating to the scientific field, and translates new insights into patient-centric solutions in support of drug development.
• Designs formulations, performs hands-on laboratory work and collects results in electronic lab notebook. Diligently documents scientific data and progress, contributing to regulatory submissions, scientific publications and intellectual property initiatives. Development activities span from discovery over preclinical to clinical phases.
• Collaborates with various internal partners in Drug Development such as Pharmaceutical & Material Sciences, Analytical Development, Discovery Pharmaceutics, Preclinical Safety & Translational Sciences and Pharmaceutical Supply & Engineering Sciences and collaborates with external academic partners and CDMOs.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering. Alternatively, a Masters Degree in relevant fields with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in drug delivery of oral peptides. Familiarity with opportunities to enhance permeability and stability, as well as experience with targeted or local delivery is a distinct advantage.
• Experience in lipid-based formulation design and process development (liposomes, solid-lipid nanoparticles, SNEDDS).
• Ability to leverage literature, evaluate and screen new dosage forms, manufacturing technologies and new drug delivery opportunities.
• Scientific curiosity, innovation mentality, critical thinking capabilities and problem-solving attitude.
• Excellent teammate with strong oral and written communication skills, who thrives in a collaborative environment. Ability to partner with external (academic) networks and CDMOs.
• Ability to quickly adapt to constantly evolving scientific challenges with a sense of accountability, leadership and achievement.
• Ability to conduct hands-on experiments accurately and safely in a modern laboratory environment.