Principal Scientist, Biophysics/Biochemical DMTL Automation

About the role

Johnson & Johnson is looking for a Principal Scientist (ST7) in biophysics and biochemistry to support Design-Make-Test-Learn (DMTL) workflows in its Discovery Technologies and Molecular Pharmacology business. Based in Toledo, Spain, the role generates and interprets high-quality Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and biochemical data to guide decisions from hit identification through lead optimization, develops innovative assays, implements automated workflows and partners with chemistry, biology, computational sciences, automation and platform teams.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop and run SPR and biochemical assays to support hit validation and lead optimization
• Generate and interpret kinetic, affinity, thermodynamic and biochemical data to guide SAR and project decisions
• Accelerate DMTL cycles with robust, scalable experimental workflows that improve throughput and reproducibility
• Drive automated lab design and workflows, partnering with automation, informatics, engineering and platform teams
• Lead cross-functional project teams and collaborate across chemistry, biology, structural biology, automation and data science

Required profile

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology or a related discipline
• 8+ years of experience developing and running biophysical and biochemical assays in pharma, biotech or academia
• Hands-on expertise with SPR, complementary biophysical platforms and biochemical techniques
• Ability to determine robust binding affinities and kinetic parameters with proper controls and error analysis
• Experience with assay automation, high-throughput experimentation or laboratory robotics
• Preferred: experience with DMTL workflows and familiarity with computational chemistry, structural biology or AI-enabled drug discovery

Required skills

• Assay development, optimization, troubleshooting, data analysis and curve fitting
• Understanding of protein-ligand interactions, kinetics, thermodynamics and molecular mechanisms
• Interpretation of complex biophysical and biochemical datasets

What we offer

• Base pay range of EUR 63,700 to EUR 109,480
• Annual bonus, vacation days, parental leave of at least 12 weeks, bereavement and caregiver leave, well-being reimbursement and health programs