Principal Scientist, Biophysics/Biochemical DMTL Automation

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Job Function:
Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development

Job Sub Function:
Biological Research

Job Category:
Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:
Toledo, Spain

Job Description:

Principal Scientist, Biophysics/Biochemical DMTL Automation

Function: Discovery Technologies & Molecular Pharmacology

Location: Toledo, Spain

Level: Principal Scientist (ST7)

Role Overview:

We are seeking an innovative, highly collaborative, and self-directed Senior Scientist to advance next-generation biophysical and biochemical capabilities supporting Design-Make-Test-Learn (DMTL) workflows across Discovery within Discovery Technologies and Molecular Pharmacology (DTMP). Based in Toledo, Spain, this role will generate and interpret high-quality Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and biochemical data to guide decisions from hit identification through lead optimization. The successful candidate will develop innovative assays, implement automated workflows, and partner across chemistry, biology, computational sciences, automation, and platform teams to accelerate DMTA cycles and strengthen the speed, quality, and predictability of discovery.

Key Responsibilities:

Biophysical and Biochemical Assay Development & Discovery Support

- Design, develop, and execute SPR and biochemical assays to support hit validation and lead optimization across discovery programs
- Generate and interpret kinetic, affinity, thermodynamic, and biochemistry data to guide SAR and critical project decisions

DMTA Acceleration & Data Generation

- Deliver high-quality biophysical and biochemistry data that accelerates DMTL cycles and enables rapid, data-driven discovery decisions
- Develop robust and scalable experimental workflows that expand throughput and reproducibility across the portfolio

Technology Innovation & Automation

- Drive the development and implementation of automated biophysical and biochemical lab design and workflows that increase experimental scale, consistency, and scientific impact
- Partner with automation, informatics, engineering, and platform teams across teams to integrate biophysical and biochemical capabilities into scalable DMTA workflows and next-generation discovery platforms

Scientific Collaboration & Technical Leadership

- Act as an independent scientist, identifying opportunities, solving complex technical challenges, and leading cross-functional Discovery project teams to shape biophysical and biochemical strategies that advance project objectives
- Collaborate across chemistry, biology, computational sciences, structural biology, automation, and data science within Global Discovery Chemistry (GDC) and DTMP to translate biophysical and biochemical insights into portfolio decisions

Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, or a related scientific discipline

Required Experience & Skills

• 8+ years of experience developing and executing biophysical and biochemical assays in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or academic research environment

• Demonstrated hands-on expertise with SPR, complementary biophysical platforms, and biochemical techniques

• Demonstrated ability to determine robust binding affinities and kinetic parameters, supported by appropriate experimental controls, replicates, error analysis, and scientific interpretation

• Experience with assay automation, high-throughput experimentation, or laboratory robotics

• Strong understanding of protein-ligand interactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and molecular mechanisms

• Demonstrated expertise in assay development, optimization, troubleshooting, data analysis, and curve fitting, beyond execution of established protocols

• Ability to interpret complex biophysical and biochemical datasets and translate results into actionable drug discovery decisions

• Strong scientific communication and collaborative problem-solving skills, including the ability to present and defend data to multidisciplinary project teams

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting Design-Make-Test-Learn (DMTL) workflows

• Familiarity with computational chemistry, structural biology, or AI-enabled drug discovery approaches

• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams spanning chemistry, biology, automation, and data sciences

Non-Technical Skills

• Scientific curiosity, innovation mindset, and strong experimental judgment

• Critical thinking with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable scientific insights

• Collaborative, self-directed, and effective in fast-paced, highly matrixed environments

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:
Big Data Management, Critical Thinking, Data Reporting, Data Savvy, Drug Discovery Development, Molecular Diagnostics, Organizing, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Problem Solving, Product Knowledge, Project Reporting, Project Schedule, Research Proposals, Scientific Research, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Standard Scientific Processes and Procedures, Strategic Thinking, Sustainability

The anticipated base pay range for this position is:
€63 700,00 - €109 480,00

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.