PhD Student MetaExplore

At Johnson & Johnsonwe believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build aworld where complex diseases are prevented treated and curedwhere treatments are smarter and less invasive andsolutions are our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech 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 more at .

As guided by Our Credo Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

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Company Profile

Caring for the world one person at a time inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace innovationbringing 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 125000 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 CC 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 MetaExplore 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 than 12 months in the 36 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.

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