Principal Scientist Bio-catalysis

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 Janssen 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 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. We currently have open position in the CPRD High Throughput Experimentation group for a passionate principal scientist in the field of Bio-catalysis.

**Job description**

As a Principal Scientist you will be responsible for developing impactful biocatalytic solutions to challenging problems in synthetic organic chemistry enabling design of ground-breaking synthesis routes for small molecule synthetics and related modalities and help us expand and advance our Bio-catalysis capabilities.

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

- PhD, postdoctoral, or equivalent by research and development experience in chemical biology, enzymology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology or related field.
- Several years of experience with demonstrated impact in solving industrially relevant problems.
- Proficient in enzyme screening and engineering technologies for discovery and optimization of biocatalytic reactions.
- Experience with wide range of enzyme classes.
- 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.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, fluent in English both verbal and in writing.

**Key Behaviors**:

- 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
- Passionate to work in the lab in close collaboration with other team members.
- Displays critical thinking and creativity in problem solving.
- Proactive in finding opportunities for improvement and open attitude towards new approaches.
- Mentors and develops colleagues in own areas of expertise and acts as a role model for others.
- Can challenge the status quo in a constructive manner.
- Excellent teammate which fosters new ideas and is able to create inclusive atmosphere.

**Differentiating competencies**:

- Experience with biocatalytic synthesis of novel modalities such as peptides and/or oligonucleotides.
- Experience in design of biocatalytic cascades.
- Knowledge about the external landscape and emerging biocatalytic technologies.
- Interest in AI/ML, bioinformatics and/or other digital innovative tools helping us to further shape the future of bio-catalysis.

**Our offer**:

- An exciting position in an international and dynamic environment with continuous learning and growth opportunities.
- 38 days of holiday and flexible work arrangements.
- An attractive remuneration package with additional benefit packages (family) hospital insurance, company car and other health care incentives.
- An inclusive team environment where diversity and different opinions are respected and valued, and the importance of a good work-life balance is recognized.

Johnson & Johnson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.