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 https://www.jnj.com **Job Function:** Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development **Job Sub** **Function:** Pharmaceutical Product R&D **Job Category:** People Leader **All Job Posting Locations:** Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium **Job 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 The Global Pharmaceutical Product Development and Supply (PPDS) organization, part of the Discovery, Product Development and Supply (DPDS) division of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine (JJIM), is dedicated to developing advanced drug delivery solutions for our Synthetic Modalities portfolio (small molecules, oligonucleotides, peptides, conjugates, etc). Our development hubs span the US, Asia, and Europe, and comprise a network of vibrant teams including over 200 dedicated professionals. We are searching for a **Senior Scientific Director - Drug Product Development** specialized in product and process design and development for all **Solid Dosage Forms** , based at our R&D facility in Beerse, Belgium. **Purpose:** As lead of the Solid Dosage Form Center of Excellence you are responsible for defining and executing the strategy for the development of solid drug products across synthetic modalities — including small molecules, peptides, and larger macromolecules — delivering patient-centric transformational therapies for patients. In this role, you will drive impact through: + **Leading a multidisciplinary team** of ~50 scientists, building technical depth, mentoring talent, fostering expertise and innovation. + **Driving patient-centric product design** + **Delivering scalable solutions** , ensuring robust, manufacturable, and launch-ready products for global markets. + **Ensuring quality & compliance** by embedding quality-by-design and regulatory rigor throughout development. + **Accelerating development through collaboration** with CMC, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain to enable timely launches and lifecycle success. **You will be responsible for** **:** As a key member of the Pharmaceutical Product Development and Supply Leadership team, you will significantly influence the future of novel product and process development for Johnson & Johnson. Your role will entail a wide array of responsibilities, including: + **Strategic Leadership** Define and execute global strategy for solid dosage form development from Late Lead Optimization through Commercialization. Drive innovation in formulation science, manufacturing technologies, and digital solutions to accelerate timelines and optimize product performance. + **Scientific Leadership** Lead design and development of solid oral dosage forms—tablets, capsules, and advanced delivery systems. Deploy conventional and emerging technologies (e.g., Continuous Manufacturing, amorphous solid dispersions, 3D printing) to ensure robust, quality-driven formulations. Stay ahead of technological and regulatory trends. + **Portfolio Delivery** Deliver formulation and process development for multiple development programs, across all Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicines Therapeutic Areas. Ensure timely, cost-effective milestones from preclinical to launch, including risk mitigation, scale-up, tech transfer, and regulatory submissions (CMC, control strategies). Support lifecycle management and L&A due diligence. + **People Leadership** Build and mentor a high-performing team. Provide technical reviews, coaching, and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. + **Partnerships & External Engagement** Collaborate across internal stakeholders and represent Johnson & Johnson externally in scientific forums, regulatory interactions, and industry partnerships. Cultivate relationships with academia, technology providers, and consortia. Join us in this exciting role to help shape the future of pharmaceutical innovations and enhance patient therapies! **Qualifications / Requirements:** We are looking for a dynamic and driven individual with a robust background in drug product formulation development in the synthetic modality space. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes: + **Education:** Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Industrial Pharmacy, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biological or Physical Sciences, or a related field with a minimum of 12-15 years of relevant industry and/or academic experience. Alternatively, a Master’s degree in a related discipline with at least 18 years of relevant experience. + **Technical Expertise:** End-to-end experience in solid dosage form development, including formulation and process design from early-stage developability through tech transfer and commercialization. Proficiency in conventional technologies (direct compression, granulation, film coating) and advanced platforms (spray drying, hot melt extrusion, bead coating, nanotechnology), as well as drug delivery systems (ASDs, nano-enabled, targeted delivery). Strong knowledge and leadership in transitioning from batch to continuous manufacturing, including real-time release (RTR) and advanced control strategies. Demonstrated ability to identify and implement novel technologies, define critical quality attributes (CQAs), process parameters (CPPs), and material attributes. + **Experience & Leadership:** Proven track record of leading complex development programs and delivering commercial products. Deep understanding of regulatory requirements (ICH, FDA, EMA) and quality systems. Ability to influence and lead within global, matrixed organizations. + **Core Competencies:** Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Strong collaboration and networking capabilities. **Other:** Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 5–15%). 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! Requires the ability, through our flexible work policy, to work on-site a minimum of three days each week, with the option for two remote workdays each week. A relocation budget may be considered for the successful candidate. This role will remain posted until 5 January 2026. Applications will be reviewed following the End-of-Year break. \#LI-Hybrid **Required Skills:** **Preferred Skills:**