IM Solid-State Automation & Data Lead

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Job Description:

This position is based in Beerse, Belgium. Relocation support may be provided for qualified candidates in accordance with company policy.

Job Overview

You will identify, design, implement and scale automation and data solutions for pharmaceutical solid-state design that accelerate drug development and contribute to Johnson & Johnson's long-term AI/digital transformation strategy. Working with Solid State Sciences, High-Throughput Preformulation Sciences (HTPS), the Crystallization Technology Unit (CTU) and digital/automation partners, you will build connected, reusable workflows that make solid-state experimentation faster, more consistent and more data-rich, while contributing solid-state expertise to development programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mapping, design, implementation and scaling of automated solid-state workflows, translating scientific and business requirements into practical solutions and reusable platforms.
• Integrate laboratory equipment, automation platforms and digital systems to create connected, data-enabled laboratory environments that improve efficiency, throughput and data quality.
• Translate solid-state expertise into experiment definitions, data standards, decision rules and automated analysis and reporting workflows.
• Design and execute solid-form screening and characterization studies to develop, validate and apply automated workflows, interpreting data from techniques such as XRPD, thermal analysis, DVS, spectroscopy and microscopy to support form selection and development decisions.
• Partner with HT groups, CTU, engineering, robotics, laboratory orchestration, data science and project teams to deliver scientifically fit-for-purpose solutions aligned with broader automation capabilities.
• Scout, evaluate and pilot emerging technologies, including high-throughput, miniaturized and AI-enabled approaches, that reduce manual effort and subjectivity and move solid-state workflows toward closed-loop experimentation.
• Document workflows, maintain reusable code, data structures and knowledge, and support training and sustained adoption across the portfolio.
• Communicate scientific recommendations and outcomes through technical reports, project updates and scientific forums.

Required Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, pharmaceutical or materials sciences, engineering, computer/data science, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience bridging solid-state science and laboratory automation. Candidates with a scientific background should bring practical automation experience; candidates with an engineering/digital background should bring practical experience in solid-state science and crystallization.
• Substantial academic or industrial experience in solid-state science, crystallization, pharmaceutical development or laboratory automation, with demonstrated scientific or technical leadership.
• Hands-on understanding of solid-state characterization and interpretation of complex experimental data, with the ability to translate scientific workflows into structured, reproducible, automation-ready processes.
• Technical knowledge of automation systems, laboratory equipment and digital integration technologies such as SiLA2, OPC UA, and REST APIs.
• Hands-on experience using programming and scripting tools, such as Python, to automate experimental workflows, process data or connect laboratory systems.
• Strong collaboration, influencing and communication skills across scientific, engineering and digital disciplines; a proactive, organized mindset and the ability to take ownership and drive implementation across teams.

Preferred / Nice-to-Have

• Experience with high-throughput screening, miniaturized experimentation, robotics or laboratory orchestration.
• Experience with data pipelines, informatics, modelling or automated analysis and reporting.
• Exposure to AI-supported laboratory workflows, digital twins, autonomous laboratories or closed-loop experimentation.
• Broader knowledge of pharmaceutical product and process development, complemented by experience deploying new workflows in cross-functional R&D environments.

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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.