Adc/bioconjugation Expert

**We are looking for**:
**_ADC/Bioconjugation expert in Chemical Process Research _**

**Company Profile**:
Caring for the world, one person at a time, inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. 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 Johnson Innovative Medicine campus in Beerse (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 Janssen 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. In order to support a growing portfolio of antibody drug conjugates (ADC’s) in the J&J Innovative Medicine pipeline we currently **have an open position **in the CPRD New Modalities Process R&D team **for an ADC/Bioconjugation expert.**

**Job description and responsibilities**:
As ADC/Bioconjugation expert you will lead an impactful team of scientists to develop, optimize and scale up the bioconjugation of small molecules to antibodies and the downstream purification thereof. You thereby rely on your deep chemistry and protein biochemistry background as well as being able to maximise existing strengths in biologics, chemistry, engineering and analysis present on the Beerse campus and JNJ Innovative Medicine globally. You contribute to the build of a strong knowledge base and internal lab capabilities:

- Develop and scale-up robust manufacturing processes, supporting ADC’s through all phases of development.
- Perform laboratory experiments to address challenging problems with biochemical reactions, separations, and/or isolations using expertise in reaction kinetics, transport phenomena, and mathematical modelling as well as to characterize biophysical properties and behaviours of the conjugates in typical unit operations.
- Guide the lab team, build a learning environment in which lab staff feels encouraged to question and feels empowered to make suggestions for ideation and experimentation.
- Establish a network of external partners from academia and industry to strengthen capabilities and capacity in bioconjugation and ADC downstream purification.
- Remain up to date with relevant advances and technology including published papers/patents. Contribute to scientific leadership and visibility through presentations and publications.
- Lead the identification and development of new conjugation technologies to improve process efficiency, create IP and freedom to operate.
- Author and/or review technical documents summarizing process development progress.

**Qualifications**:
**Experience and skills**:

- Ph.D in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bio/Chemical engineering or related field.
- Hands on experience of working with ADC’s. Proven expertise in the industrialization of the bioconjugation.
- Experience with downstream purification and processing techniques such as preparative chromatography and TFF systems.
- Knowledge of analytical tools for protein/bioconjugate characterization.
- Ability to develop internal and external network of contacts and collaborators across functions, sites, and scientific disciplines.
- Proven track record of scientific excellence and successful research supported by peer-reviewed publications and demonstrated ability to solve complex problems.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, proficient in English both verbal and in writing.
- Good soft skills, willing to challenge the status quo in a constructive manner.

**Key Behaviors**:

- We truly believe that the best science comes out of strong teamwork. Ability and collaborative attitude to work in a multidisciplinary team with different backgrounds (education, gender, nationality,) is a must
- Passionate to work in the lab.
- Displays critical thinking and creativity in problem solving.
- Proactive in identifying opportunities for change and has open attitude towards new approaches.
- Mentors and develops colleagues in own areas of expertise and acts as a role model for others.

**Our offer**:

- An exciting position in an international and dynamic environment with continuous learning and growth