Postdoc – Solid-State NMR & Peptide–Formulation (Mechanistic Insights)

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Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine (IM) is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist Discovery Pharmaceutics based in Beerse Belgium.

About Johnson & Johnson

Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow.

Join us in developing treatments finding cures and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way.

Learn more at the DPDS Postdoctoral Program

The Discovery Product Development & Supply (DPDS) Postdoctoral Program supports early-career scientists in building industry-relevant research and development skills while advancing innovative science with the potential to improve patient outcomes. Fellows work closely with experienced J&J scientists with opportunities to present and publish their work receive mentorship and broaden their professional network.

In this 2-year postdoctoral position you will join the Discovery Pharmaceutics team within the global Pharmaceutical Product Development & Supply (PPDS) organization at J&J IM in Beerse (Antwerp Belgium). Your research will focus on enabling oral delivery of peptides by using solid-state NMR (ssNMR) to understand molecular interactions among peptides biomimetic membranes and functional excipients. You will work in close partnership with cross-functional colleagues (including Pharmaceutics & Materials Science and Discovery Process Research) and integrate ssNMR with complementary spectroscopy in vitro experiments and molecular dynamics modeling. The mechanistic insights you generate will guide the design of new functional excipients for synthesis and experimental validation.

Your Impact:

In this role you will:

• Develop and run ssNMR experiments (data acquisition processing and interpretation) to characterize molecular interactions between peptides biomimetic membranes and functional excipients.
• Apply computational modeling and data analytics to strengthen interpretation of experimental results.
• Generate high-quality datasets through hands-on laboratory work and in silico approaches to test mechanistic hypotheses.
• Translate mechanistic insights into formulation strategies to improve oral delivery of peptide candidates in discovery and development.
• Work safely and in compliance with applicable environmental health regulatory GMP and safety requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. (03 years post-graduation) in physical chemistry biochemistry biophysics or a related discipline
• Solid understanding of solid-state NMR (ssNMR) principles with hands-on experience operating ssNMR instrumentation and data analytics and interpretation
• Strong understanding of solution NMR spectroscopy
• Demonstrated digital aptitude including effective use of data analysis modeling and/or computational tools to support scientific problem-solving and evidence-based decisions
• Ability to design and conduct laboratory experiments independently
• Ability to define and drive scientific research independently including development of research proposals
• Track record of scientific contributions (e.g. peer-reviewed publications patents and/or scientific presentations)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate scientific rationale and recommendations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Bruker solid-state NMR systems
• Experience with spectroscopic techniques (e.g. CD FTIR UVvis fluorescence)
• Familiarity with physicochemical characterization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)

The Advanced Molecular Analysis (AMA) team is part of AMCI (Analytical & Molecular Characterization & Imaging) a set of analytical centers of excellence spanning structure elucidation (high-resolution mass spectrometry; solution and solid-state NMR) organic trace analysis excipient and polymer characterization and oligonucleotide and peptide analytics. Our labs are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation including multiple 500600 MHz NMR systems (standard- and wide-bore) and a 600 MHz solid-state NMR system with additional capabilities available through an external network.

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The anticipated base pay range for this position is:

Benefits:

In addition to base pay we offer the following benefits*: an annual bonus with set target (% of pay) depending on pay grade / location where the actual amount is based on the employees and companies performance of the previous calendar year or sales commissions. Moreover we offer vacation days parental leave for a minimum of 12 weeks bereavement leave caregiver leave volunteer leave well-being reimbursement programs for financial physical and mental health. We also offer service anniversary and recognition awards and subject to the terms of their respective plans employees - and in some locations eligible dependents - can participate in several insurance plans. For more information visit Employee benefits Supporting well-being & career growth Johnson & Johnson Careers.

*This is for informative purposes only. Amounts and actual benefits may vary by location and are subject to change.