NL - Senior Associate Scientist – Biophysical characterization

Johnson & Johnson Worksense (via Randstad Sourceright) is responsible for finding, engaging and contracting talent for the Johnson & Johnson contingent workforce.

Janssen Vaccines and Prevention BV, one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, is dedicated to bringing meaningful innovation to global health. Our teams focus on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and marketing vaccines to protect people worldwide from infectious diseases.

In our organization, entrepreneurial people work in a dynamic culture in which innovation and a 'can-do' state of mind are central. Therefore, to strengthen our team, we are continuously looking for enthusiastic, talented people who have the ambition to develop themselves and can be of value to Janssen.

For our department, we are currently seeking a fulltime Senior Associate Scientist – Biophysical characterization.

Department/Project:

The Bacterial Vaccines (BacVac) department 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), meningitis, respiratory tract, and nosocomial infections. Our 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. Besides, manufacturing processes are optimized and established, and the resulting clinical trial material is evaluated in human clinical studies.

The Bacterial Vaccines department has well-equipped laboratories and the possibility to acquire additional equipment and laboratory space. In addition, Janssen’s support departments, such as Vaccine Process & Analytical Development (VPAD) and Quality Control (QC), provide expertise to the Bacterial Vaccines department and its external partners to develop our prototype vaccines.

The Biophysical Testing Unit (BTU) is part of the BacVac analytical development team. BTU is responsible for:

• Leading analytical investigations for the research-grade drug substances, drug products, and reference antigens
• Analyzing the quality of drug substances produced by the BacVac process team or CROs
• Overseeing the contract analytical research work performed by collaborators (CROs & academic partners)
• Development and implementation of new and innovative Analytical Technology Platforms

Subject matter experts in:

• Biophysical characterization of antigens
• Stability study of the drug substances and their blended mixtures
• Characterization of adjuvant systems
• Biophysical characterization of large molecules (Nano DSF, Auto DSC, CD, DLS & SEC-MALS)
• Discovery stage platform formulation development

Job Description:

The Bacterial Vaccine department is recruiting a Senior Associate Scientist – Biophysical characterization for two major vaccine projects. This position is a contractor job linked to a long-term project requirement. Based on outstanding results and positive feedbacks, the transition to an appropriate Janssen position is planned for this position. In your work, you will interact with various Bacterial Vaccines teams and with Janssen vaccine support departments. In addition, you will be expected to perform laboratory work in person (core part of the job) and help contract research organizations plan and execute their assignments.

The Bacterial Vaccines department is strengthening its biophysical assay capabilities centered mainly on multidomain proteins and glycoprotein antigens. This position has, therefore, a strong focus on the biophysical characterization of large molecules.

Your primary responsibilities will be:

• Analyze protein-, or glycoprotein-based antigens (focus methods: DLS, microDSC, nano DSF & FTIR).
• Know, implement, and improve established tests for adjuvants, proteins, glycoconjugates, and particle-based vaccines.
• Support equipment selection, purchase, and maintenance for the BacVac AD facility.
• Be part of a team of two-three technicians and actively engage in the weekly resource planning of the BacVac AD team.
• Perform and implement pre-formulation experiments and analyses related to the biophysical characterization of large molecules, specifically proteins, glycoproteins, and/or peptides.
• Apply state of–the art analytical chemistry to ensure a targeted approach to problem-solving and delivering relevant results. Work in a multidisciplinary team of researchers and show a willingness to learn/explore new techniques.
• Act quickly and provide expertise and solutions for advanced characterization of pharmaceutical products and support investigations. Develop test procedures and write scientific and study reports.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, GMP, and safety.
• Support CROs to plan, execute, document, and review their work.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. with equivalent experience
• Minimal 2-5 years of professional experience (experience in an industry setting is preferred)
• Experience with formulating large molecules (recombinant proteins, glycoproteins, glycopeptides, polysaccharides), proteins, and glycoconjugates.
• Experience in large molecule characterization
• Experience in characterization of particulate adjuvant systems

Specific knowledge:

• Knowledge of analytical literature, with emphasis on biophysical characterization of large molecules
• Excellent understanding of the formulation of large molecules
• Knowledge of planning stability studies for large molecules

Must have:

• HPLC (SEC, RP, NP, etc.)
• An advanced knowledge on anyone of the technique is a plus -Nano DSF, Auto DSC, CD, DLS & SEC-MALS)

Nice to have: 

• C SDS-PAGE, cIEF, cWES, and molecular modeling of proteins and ligands

Competences:

• Problem solver, including thorough hands-on laboratory experiments
• Clear and effective Communication
• Team player
• Leadership: Able to manage and monitor work contracted to CROs
• Organize data efficiently (databases) and with data security in mind
• Operate and maintain analytical laboratory equipment
• Safety-conscious
• Language skills: Fluent in English. Dutch is a plus not a must
• Computer skills (Excel, statistical analysis, databases, etc.)

What’s in it for you…?

“Caring for the world, one person at a time…”

As an employee we consider you as our most valuable asset. We take your career seriously. As part of a global team in an innovative environment your development is key and our day-to-day responsibility. Through e-university, on the job training, various projects and programs, we ensure your personal growth.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

• This is a contracting position, with the possibility of an extension after the end date. You will receive a contract via our partner YACHT. They can offer you a contract for the duration of the assignment at J&J or a one year contract.