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 Discovery Technologies and Molecular Pharmacology. 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 and improve throughput and reproducibility across the portfolio
• Develop automated lab designs and workflows and integrate them 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 datasets and presentation of data to multidisciplinary teams

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 programmes
• Service anniversary and recognition awards, and optional insurance plans for eligible dependents