Postdoctoral Scientist Flaviviruses

Global Public Health (GPH), a division of Janssen Pharmaceutical Research & Development (JRD), one of Johnson & Johnson’s Family of Companies, is recruiting a highly motivated and innovative post-doctoral scientist to join our Flavivirus Drug Discovery team in Beerse, Belgium. GPH is committed to addressing the medical needs of patients in the developing world and resource-limited settings and uses the resources, capabilities, pharmaceuticals, technologies, access programs, policy initiatives, and programs of JRD to positively impact the health and well-being of underserved communities globally. The GPH portfolio includes projects in Flavivirus, Coronavirus, Tuberculosis, and HIV treatment research and a Long-Acting formulation platform for HIV, TB, Dengue, and Malaria. Within GPH, we have a strong background working on emerging and neglected tropical diseases. Vector-borne disease is an emerging area within GPH.

Infection by mosquito-borne flaviviruses is becoming prevalent worldwide. GPH R&D has a new opportunity for a passionate, highly motivated Post Doc at our drug discovery site in Beerse (Belgium), to join our dynamic team of multi-disciplinary scientists and be responsible for managing target-based drug discovery within our Flavivirus portfolio. The successful candidate will join the GPH discovery team playing a key role in supporting our laboratory operations in the field of GPH diseases with a focus on Flaviviruses and emerging viruses, but also with the potential to work on other Neglected Tropical Diseases. You will work in a fast-paced environment with the opportunity to interact with internal groups bridging different stages of the discovery pipeline. This position will offer an opportunity to develop your skills in drug discovery and establish yourself as a post-doctoral scientist in virology drug development.

The candidate needs to excel in the ability to independently identify novel approaches, design, carry out and troubleshoot experiments, connect with key stakeholders and collaborators as well as report back results to the Flavivirus lead. We are looking for a great teammate with a keen interest in novel pathogens. The candidate will initially be assigned to a two-year R&D project (fixed-term contract) which can be extended to 4 years and is expected to publish their research.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• You are responsible for managing a grant, thereby communicating with all respective stakeholders and collaborators.
• You will drive the research of the grant forward by successfully profiling compounds in biochemical, phenotypic, and molecular assays to identify interesting hits targeting the replication of flaviviruses.
• You will perform mechanism of action studies with the compounds in the models you establish.
• As a Post Doc, you will be driving innovation and incorporating new methodologies into the existing pipeline.
• You originate and defend new insights, experimental protocols, and methods with a clear rationale to advance the project.
• You maintain a lab presence and are actively involved in lab work.
• You will maintain a strong awareness of the relevant scientific literature and modern laboratory practices.
• You successfully connect with internal and external key stakeholders or collaborators to solve scientific problems and develop new insights to push the project forward.
• You will analyze and detail data in laboratory notebooks, study reports, and publications as required. You ensure the accurate recording of information obtained throughout the project to patent-acceptable standards.
• You actively partake in your personal and professional development through courses, seminars, and training programs (e.g. Janssen postdoc symposium). You cultivate a scientific and business network within Janssen by engaging in scientific and career development activities organized by the Postdoc community.

Qualifications

Job Requirements

Must haves: to be considered for this role, please ensure the minimum requirements are evident on your resume.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in biological sciences, virology, biochemistry, or related fields

Skills:

• A highly motivated scientist with validated research experience in protein chemistry and/or virology
• A solid understanding of relevant modern molecular, biochemical, and cellular techniques
• Experience in cellular and molecular biology techniques (cell culture, DNA/RNA isolation, RT-qPCR, protein expression, etc.).
• Hands-on lab skills are a must, and knowledge of high-content imaging is a plus.
• Experience in working in BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories with infectious diseases is a must.
• Strong background in relevant scientific output (publications, patents, contributions at conferences and symposia).

Personal skills and Proficiencies:

• You are an out-of-the-box problem solver, applying your critical and analytical attitude to formulate strategies to push your research forward.
• Demonstrate a sense of urgency, be organized, and adhere to timelines.
• Independent worker and problem solver.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills: English
• Ability to operate efficiently in a team setting within a multicultural environment.
• Able to build a broad network to support your project goals
• Diligent, with strong record-keeping skills

What is in it for you:

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including high-tech experimental equipment, and becoming part of a hard-working, experienced team, all located in Beerse, Belgium
• An exciting position in an international and dynamic environment with continuous learning and growth opportunities
• An inspiring work-life balance: on-site sports facilities, health/energy programs, and other healthcare benefits for you and your family.
• Flexible working hours, no fixed holiday planning, and the possibility to work from home for non-laboratory-related tasks.
• A work environment that embraces diversity and is open to any individual with a scientifically-driven and practical ambitious mindset.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.