Associate Scientist

Imagine your next role as an Associate Scientist USP – Bacterial Cell Bank specialist.  

Department:

The Bacterial Vaccines department in Leiden, The Netherlands, is working on the discovery- and early development of novel vaccines for bacterial infectious diseases. It strives to address unmet medical needs, such as bacteremia (sepsis) and nosocomial infections. Projects at the Bacterial Vaccines department are primarily structured on scientific- and technical collaboration with external biotechnology partners (governmental and industrial) that are innovative leaders in their field. This working process includes ‘state of the art’ vaccine discovery, with subsequent in vivo evaluation of these vaccine candidates in animal models for immunogenicity and/or efficacy. In addition, manufacturing processes are optimized and established, and the resulting clinical trial material is evaluated in human clinical studies.

Job Description:

The Bacterial Vaccines department is recruiting an Associate Scientist to join the Upstream Processes (USP) team as a bacterial cell bank specialist. Your function is responsible for the hands-on production, characterization, and documentation of bacterial pre-GMP cell banks (seeds) for vaccine or reference antigen production strains. The function will also give support to the implementation and performance evaluation of the bacterial cell banks in USP bioreactor processes. Finally, the function is responsible for maintaining the operational compliance of the bacterial cell bank laboratories and equipment. Experimental work will include bacterial culture and assays to confirm bacterial identity, purity, viability, genetic stability, and functionality. Cross-functional communication with internal and external stakeholders is a pivotal part of the job function. The Associate Scientist will apply her/his understanding of scientific principles and professional practices to facilitate the bacterial cell banking aspects for early-stage vaccine development and transfer from early-stage to late-stage development programs. Importantly, a mindset and skill for proper preparation, execution, and documentation (incl. traceability) of experimental activities is essential.

Main Responsibilities

• Bacterial cell bank production and characterization

• USP bioreactor team support

• Experimental planning and preparation

• Data analysis and interpretation

• Documentation in electronic laboratory notebook and reports

• Maintaining cell banking facilities

• Stakeholder management

The ideal candidate for this position should have:

• MSc or Bachelor-level in a relevant discipline such as microbiology or biotechnology

• Hands-on experience in the Life Science industry or relevant internships

• Bacterial culture activities at biosafety level 1 and 2, incl. genetically modified organisms

• Microbial phenotyping, genotyping, and antigen expression assays

• Affinity to Upstream Process Development

• Electronic LabNotebooks (ELN), MS Office, DNA analysis software, sample databases, etc.

• Cross-functional communication skills.

• High affinity for lab work.

• Organized, methodical, and conscientious.

• Quality and safety mindset.

• Fluent Engish 

benefits

This role offers a competitive hourly rate & a supportive working environment. This contract will run initially for 12 months. 

About Johnson & Johnson

Caring for the world, one person at a time has inspired and united the people of Johnson & Johnson for over 130 years. As a skilled contractor, you’ll play a key part in the thinking, strategy, dynamism - and impact - of this iconic global healthcare company as they touch the lives of nearly a billion people every day. Contribute to the next healthcare breakthrough with your next project at Johnson & Johnson.

https://www.jnj.com/

application process

We are looking to process the first round of applications within the next 2 working days.

We do not accept applications via email. 

questions

If you would like some additional information about the role please contact:  katerina.alikaridou@randstadsourceright.nl

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

For more than 130 years, diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) have been part of our cultural fabric at Johnson & Johnson and woven into how we do business every day. Our commitment to respect the dignity and diversity of all is embedded in our Credo.

We know that the success of our business depends on having the best talent in a workforce that reflects the diverse markets we serve around the world and an inclusive culture that values different perspectives and life experiences. That is why we are working to create an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are valued and each one of our people feels that they belong and can reach their potential. No matter who they are. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Johnson & Johnson means “You Belong”.