Dr. Jos Brands is an accomplished scientist and senior executive with more than 30 years of experience in process research, development, and strategic leadership in the pharmaceutical industry. He is the founder of JB Chem Consulting, advising biotech companies on late discovery and chemical development programs.
Dr. Brands spent nearly 25 years at Merck, holding a series of senior leadership roles across the US, UK, and China. As Executive Director of Process Chemistry, he oversaw global external sourcing and capability building activities, managing discovery support, intermediates, and API development for Merck’s early pipeline. Previously, he led chemo- and biocatalysis teams that made pivotal contributions to programs from early development through commercialization, including the blockbuster therapy Januvia®. He also spearheaded new initiatives in flow chemistry and high-throughput experimentation.
Recognized for his scientific and leadership impact, Dr. Brands received a couple of US Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards and the Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award. He has also contributed to Merck’s due diligence teams, evaluating licensing and investment opportunities—a perspective he now brings to his consulting and advisory work.
