Lab Systems & Data Lead / Manager

Job Function: Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development
Job Sub Function: Pharmaceutical Product R&D
Job Category: Scientific/Technology
All Job Posting Locations: Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium

Job Description
Join us in Pharmaceutical Product Development and Supply (PPDS) as a Lab Systems & Data Lead within our Synthetics Development organization and play a pivotal role in reshaping how we develop small molecule medicine & therapies through innovative digital solutions for our scientists and engineers.

The Global Pharmaceutical Product Development and Supply organization (PPDS) is within the Therapeutics development and supply (TDS) organization of Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson responsible for the development of Pharmaceutical Dosage forms with development centers located in the US, Asia, and Europe.

Your role will be vital in unlocking the power of data and enhancing our scientific lab systems. As a key player in our digital transformation, you will drive the integration of data visualization, analytics, and AI/ML workflows to strengthen our data-driven decision-making culture. You will translate business opportunities into strategic system designs and oversee day-to-day system operations, focusing on adoption and improving current workflows.

As our lab systems & data lead, you are the local operational lab system owner and you will shape the lab systems strategy in line with our synthetics digital transformation strategy. You will initiate & coordinate the actions to build an integrated scientific data fabric and lead projects to translate the data fabric into impactful end-user applications for our scientists and engineers to drive data-centric decision making across the different functional lab teams.

You will act as a digital change agent in our organization by ensuring that new users are effectively onboarded and trained in our new digital tools. You will drive change and empower others through knowledge.

We invite you to be a part of shaping and redefining the future of Synthetic Molecule Research & Development and by joining our new synthetic extended digital leadership team you will be surrounded by passionate scientists & digital leaders and your contributions can truly make a difference!

Role And Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the lab systems strategy aligned with the organization’s digital transformation goals.
• Lead the creation of master plans for the integration of scientific data fabric across various laboratory functions.
• Initiate, coordinate, and manage projects that transform digital data solutions into user-friendly applications for scientists and engineers.
• Oversee project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Work closely with laboratory scientists to understand their needs and tailor lab informatics solutions that boost efficiency and productivity.
• Act as a point of contact between scientific teams and data & digital technology partners (DIPT) as well as IT, fostering strong relationships to facilitate seamless integration of technology into scientific work with respect to lab systems.
• Optimize the integration of existing lab informatics solutions (ELN, LIMS) and ensure effective database management, maximizing the use of visualization tools (Tableau, Spotfire) for improved data accessibility and analysis.
• Investigate and leverage AI and machine learning technologies to enhance lab informatics systems and data analytics capabilities.
• Provide training and support for scientists and engineers on how to effectively use existing digital applications and data tools.
• Mentor team members and promote a culture of data-centric thinking across the organization.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders to influence and drive the adoption of lab systems and digital solutions.
• Measure the impact of data science projects on the product portfolio and report progress to senior management, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Represent the lab systems strategy in cross-functional meetings and provide updates on project progress, including representation in the plant and lab systems community.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in lab informatics and data solutions to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assess the effectiveness of existing systems and recommend enhancements or upgrades as needed.

Requirements

• Strong scientific background with a PhD or Master’s degree in Engineering, Sciences or a related field, combined with experience in a scientific environment.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in digital and data solutions or similar roles, preferably within pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors.
• Knowledgeable about formulation design and our solid and liquid formulation platforms
• Experience in building tailored lab informatics solutions (system development, system integration, data visualization tools, database design and management, etc) in collaboration with laboratory scientists
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R. Familiarity with enterprise level visualization tools (Tableau, Spotfire) and databases (SQL)
• Understanding of lab systems like ELN, LIMS, PAT, and AVEVA PI
• Exposure to AI/ML technologies
• Strong understanding of statistical and data science approaches applied to real-world problems
• Proven ability to lead projects in a cross-functional environment and inspire team collaboration
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence diverse audiences and connect the right experts, both internal and external.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable solutions.
• Strategic insight, detail-oriented, and a record of effective collaboration with diverse team members.