Associate Scientist MSAT

Associate Scientist MSAT 

Location: Leiden (hybrid working: 3 days onsite, 2 days home office)

Duration of the contract: Until 31st December 2026 (with likelihood of extension)

Hours per week: 40 hours (1 FTE)

Imagine your next project supporting cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge technical innovations that directly change and save lives globally.

As part of the Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) team within Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, you will act as a vital link between pharmaceutical development and manufacturing operations. This dynamic, international role allows you to build a foundational career in technical lifecycle management, applying advanced science and analytics to enhance product value chains from end to end.

roles and responsibilities 

The Associate Scientist – Emerging Technologies, Innovation and Technology Deployment (ITD) provides essential product technical support to ensure process capability, compliance, and top-line breakthrough efficiencies.

This will involve:

• Supporting cross-functional teams to develop and deliver projects required to achieve goals in Technology and/or Science in the key focus areas for R&D and MSAT.

• Providing technical support to top-line growth (NPI, L&A, growing markets), enhanced reliability, compliance & efficiency of product value chains end-to-end.

• Supporting product life cycle management, Manufacturing Operations, and Pharmaceutical Development in partnership with Product Management and Customer Management.

• Developing, managing, troubleshooting, and transferring advanced knowledge on new or marketed products, including formulation, processes, manufacturing technologies, analytical technologies, raw materials, primary containers, and associated components (e.g., delivery devices).

• Supporting new product introductions, marketed product technical projects, process capability/quality improvements, and breakthrough improvements in Cost of Goods Sold (COGs).

• Interfacing with internal & external manufacturing sites to define benchmark-driven improvement goals, oversee implementation, and provide expert support.

• Executing laboratory work as required, including feasibility or proof-of-principle studies to support ITD key strategic pillars in Process Intensification and Integrated Quality/Real-Time Release.

how to succeed

You are a highly analytical, detail-oriented professional with a strong foundation in physical sciences who thrives in an agile, cross-functional environment spanning international time zones.

You will also bring:

• B.S. in physical sciences, such as analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, pharmaceutics, or a related science/engineering discipline.

• 2 years of related overall experience with past proven experience in materials characterization, formulations, analytical method characterization, and/or process development/characterization.

• Fluent written and spoken English.

• Knowledgeable in analytical chemistry within a cGMP environment (methods, specifications, transfers).

• Knowledgeable in basic statistical principles/concepts including Multivariate Analysis (MVA).

• Basic understanding of material characterization methods (spectroscopy, microscopy, thermal, physical) and analytical techniques/equipment.

• Basic understanding of drug substance and/or drug product manufacturing technologies (large and/or small molecules) and general validation requirements.

• Familiarity with QbD, PAT, and specialized software systems (Summit, TrueVault, MS SharePoint, Minitab, or MVA software).

benefits This role offers a very competitive hourly rate. This contract will run for until 31st December 2026 (with likelihood of extension).

you are welcome here Johnson & Johnson is working to create an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are valued and each and every one of our people feels that they belong and can reach their potential. No matter who they are.

about Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Patients inform and inspire our science-based innovations, which continue to change and save lives. Applying rigorous science and compassion, we confidently address some of the most complex diseases of our time and unlock the potential medicines of tomorrow. Our diverse portfolio spans multiple therapeutic areas — Oncology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary Hypertension, and Retina. We are continuously working to develop treatments, aspiring to find cures, pioneering the path from lab to life, and championing patients every step of the way.

application process We are looking to process the first round of applications within the next 2 working days. We do not accept applications via email.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion For more than 130 years, diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) have been part of our cultural fabric at Johnson & Johnson and woven into how we do business every day. Our commitment to respect the dignity and diversity of all is embedded in our Credo.

We know that the success of our business depends on having the best talent in a workforce that reflects the diverse markets we serve around the world and an inclusive culture that values different perspectives and life experiences. That is why we are working to create an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences are valued and each one of our people feels that they belong and can reach their potential. No matter who they are. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Johnson & Johnson means “You Belong”.