At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and Med Tech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at jnj.com.

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Job Function:

Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development

Job Sub Function:

Chemical Research

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium

Job Description: Company Profile

Caring for the world, one person at a time, inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace innovation—bringing ideas, products, and services to life to advance the health and well-being of people around the world. We believe in collaboration which has led to breakthrough after breakthrough, from medical miracles that have changed lives, to the simple consumer products that make every day a little better. Our over 125,000 employees in 60 countries are united in a common mission: To help people everywhere live longer, healthier, happier lives.

The Innovative Medicine campus in Antwerp (Belgium) has a unique ecosystem covering the complete drug discovery and development life cycle, with all capabilities from basic science to market access on one campus. The integrated environment of our campus gives our people the chance to experience many different aspects of drug development throughout their career. It has a successful track record of over sixty years of drug discovery and development and is one of the most important innovation engines of the Innovative Medicine group worldwide.

The department of Chemical Process Research & Development (CPRD) focuses on the development of synthetic methodologies and processes for small molecules, oligonucleotides, peptides and other emerging modalities. We currently have an open position in the CPRD biocatalysis group for a PhD studentship exploring the discovery and characterization of novel C-C bond forming enzymes from metagenomic sources for the synthesis of relevant API intermediates.

Role description

This PhD position focuses on discovering and characterizing novel C–C bond forming enzymes from metagenomic sources for the synthesis of key API intermediates. The project integrates computational enzyme discovery with microfluidic assays, activity screening, and directed evolution to enhance selectivity and thermostability. The ultimate goal is to achieve preparative-scale synthesis using these new enzymes. This research is part of the EU funded ’Meta Explore’ program and a multi collaboration between Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Biocatalysis and Synthetic Biology KU Leuven, providing experience at the intersection of sustainable chemistry and biomanufacturing in both academic and industrial settings

Eligibility criteria

• BSc or MSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry or a related field.

• Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.

• Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral programme that leads to the award of a doctoral degree.

• Applicants must not have lived or worked/studied in the country of the recruiting institution for more than12 months in the36 months prior to recruitment.

• Duration of each fellowship (full-time employment) is minimum 3 and maximum 36 months.

• Recruited under a full-time employment contract, unless part-time is approved by the granting authority.

Experience and skills

• Knowledge of biochemistry, biocatalysis and enzymology; microbiology and molecular biology (PCR, sterile techniques, protein purification).

• Excellent written and oral communication; able to work independently and as part of a team; strong problem-solving and data evaluation skills.

• Experience with analytical techniques (HPLC, GC, NMR).

• Demonstrated ability to present work and meet deadlines; experience collaborating across disciplines.

Key Behaviors

• Passionate to work in the lab in close collaboration with other team members.

• Displays critical thinking and creativity in problem solving. We strongly believe that the best science comes out of strong collaboration.

• Collaborative attitude to work in a multidisciplinary team with different backgrounds (education, gender, nationality, …) is a must!

Excellent teammate which fosters new ideas and can create an inclusive atmosphere.

Our offer

• An exciting, collaborative PhD that sits at the interface of academia and industry.

• An international and dynamic environment with continuous learning and growth opportunities.

• Training across metagenomic discovery, enzyme engineering, microfluidics and preparative biocatalysts.

• A funded position with a competitive stipend and benefits.

• An inclusive team environment where diversity and different opinions are respected and valued, and the importance of a good work-life balance is recognized.

Required Skills:Preferred Skills:

Analytical Reasoning, Chemistry, Data Analysis, Data Reporting, Drug Discovery Development, Execution Focus, Innovation, Interdisciplinary Work, Laboratory Experiments, Process Oriented, Quantitative Research, Research Ethics, Research Informatics, Scientific Evaluation, Scientific Research, Technical Writing, Technologically Savvy