Scientist

Scientist Cell & Gene Therapy

Location: Leiden onsite 

Hours: 32 or 40 hours, contract until Dec 31st 

Essential:  PhD degree (or equivalent with at least 2 years of experience after Master degree) in life sciences,  extensive use of molecular and biochemical technologies - PCR, ELISA, Flow cytometry, MSD, and/or cell-based assays

The Company:  

At Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, we are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. 

We are Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Learn more at www.janssen.com/johnson-johnson-innovative-medicine and follow us @JanssenGlobal.

The Department:

The Cell and Gene Therapy Analytics (CGTA) team is a young and dynamic group (23 team members), which is part of Advanced Therapies Analytical Development Leiden (AT AD-L), responsible for developing methods to characterize our (viral) vector products (e.g. based on Adenovirus, AAV, lentivirus and RNA).

Together, we use molecular, biochemical and cell-based technologies to assess quantity, potency, purity, and identity characteristics of our products. We have a pivotal role between the process development, quality unit and regulatory authorities. 

The Role:

As a team, our mission is to bring to completion projects ranging from enabling chemistry to produce the first GMP batches to defining routes for late-phase development and commercial processes. Supported by a robust analytical platform, we ensure all required analyses are seamlessly integrated throughout the project lifecycle. Besides small molecules, we work on cutting-edge new modalities such as peptides and Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC), with a focus on developing scalable and efficient processes.

The group is also hosting the Center of Excellence in Peptides with a mission to develop suitable routes throughout clinical studies, from early delivery to commercial production, providing end-to-end responsibility for bringing peptides to market.

We work closely with other CPRD functions within our global organization, including the Discovery Process and Research (DPR) group, Belgium Research and Development Capabilities (BRDC), and the External Research and Development Capabilities (ERDC) team. 

These collaborations enable a seamless integration of diverse scientific expertise, fostering innovation at every stage of chemical process development. By leveraging the strengths of each group, we accelerate the translation of early-stage discoveries into scalable, efficient manufacturing processes.

In addition, we are deeply connected to the Swiss research ecosystem through collaborations with ETH Zürich and NCCR Catalysis. Our department offers a truly multicultural environment, with team members representing nine different nationalities, fostering global perspectives and innovation. 

Key Responsibilities:

We are looking for a transfer scientist in order to cope with the temporary peak in method transfer work load with the onboarding of new product platforms, such as AAV and lentivirus, who:

• Actively shares technical expertise in molecular technologies, such as quantitative/ digital (q/d)PCR, biochemical technologies, such as ELISA, Flow cytometry, and/or MSD, and cell-based potency assays in order to drive selection and implementation of the most suitable technology.

• Enjoys working with a multidisciplinary team driving method development and qualification activities for release and characterization of our products with hands-on involvement.

• Acts as a technical lead to strengthen the team capabilities for future method life cycle support for our new platform products e.g. by providing method trainings to (associate) scientists in the team.

• Has strong capabilities to collaborate with scientists across multiple disciplines.

• Takes ownership as author in the preparation of presentations, reports and documents for regulatory filing and patents.

Qualifications 

The perfect candidate will have a PhD degree (or equivalent with at least 2 years of experience after Master degree) in life sciences with extensive use of molecular and biochemical technologies.

 A broad understanding of method development principles for viral vector product development/commercialization process is required. In particular, the following:

• In-depth knowledge on molecular and biochemical technologies, such as quantitative/ digital (q/d)PCR, ELISA, Flow cytometry, MSD, and/or cell-based assays

• Demonstrated practical lab skills

• Broad scientific understanding of viral vectors 

• Preferably also, pharmaceutical industry experience in development of cell and gene therapy and/or vaccine products or method development (according ICH Q2) and quality systems such as GMP or GLP

The candidate should have the following skills:

• Assertive with a can do mentality

• Team player

• Organizational sensitivity and conflict resolution skills

• Critical mind set valuing accuracy in the execution of your work and that of others

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Benefits

This role offers a competitive hourly rate & a supportive working environment. 

About Johnson & Johnson MedTech

At Johnson & Johnson MedTech, we unleash diverse healthcare expertise, purposeful technology, and a passion for people to transform the future of medical intervention and empower everyone to live their best life possible.

For more than a century, we have driven breakthrough scientific innovation to address unmet needs and reimagine health. In surgery, orthopaedics, vision, and interventional solutions, we continue to help save lives and create a future where healthcare solutions are smarter, less invasive, and more personalised.

https://www.jnj.com/healthcare-products/medtech

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. Please apply via the link.

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”.