Hybrid Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry bei Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V.

Janssen Research & Development seeks to bringinnovative and effective treatments in six therapeutic areas: neuroscience,cardiovascular diseases and metabolism, infectious diseases, immunology,oncology and pulmonary hypertension. In these areas, Janssen aims to addressand solve unmet medical needs through the development of small and largemolecules, as well as vaccines. The Janssen campus in Beerse (Belgium) has a unique ecosystem covering the complete drug development life cycle, withall capabilities from basic science to market access on one campus. Theintegrated environment of our campus gives our people the chance to experiencemany different aspects of drug development throughout their career. It has a successful track record of over sixty years of drugdiscovery and development, and is one of the most important innovation enginesof the Janssen group worldwide.

Together with colleagues from the research sites in Val De Reuil(France) and Toledo (Spain) the Beerse medicinal chemistry group focussesmainly on developing innovative small molecule therapeutics to treat diseaseslike Alzheimer’s disease, various types of cancers and infectious diseases likeHepatitis B, influenza etc. In this endeavor, the chemistry teams work closelytogether with colleagues from the associated Biology teams and with severalinternal and external partners aiming to progress the most innovative science and gain access to the lateststate-of-the-art technologies and expertise. To support its research activitiesin the above mentioned disease areas, the Medicinal Chemistry team is seeking to recruit new scientists intomedicinal chemistry research positions in Beerse.

We are seeking an entry-level PhD chemist with excellent organicsynthesis expertise to advance small molecule drug discovery programs towardthe clinic. In this laboratory-based position, the successful candidate willpartner with both internal and external medicinal chemistry teams to generateinnovative solutions to synthetic and medicinal chemistry challenges within thecontext of small molecule drug discovery projects.  She/he will maintainclose interactions with computer assisted design scientists, biologists,pharmacologists, and pharmaceutical development scientists.  Strong peopleskills and the ability to thrive in a team and goal driven environment are keyattributes. 

This individual must also excel in communication and have stronginterpersonal skills necessary to influence in a collaborativemultidisciplinary environment.

• Maintaining a high level of productivity in the laboratory setting.
• Developing and executing clear synthetic strategies towards complex molecules using state-of-the-art synthetic methodologies.
• Independently designing and synthesizing drug-like molecules utilizing medicinal chemistry knowledge and an understanding of ADME, pharmacokinetics and optimal physicochemical properties.
• Collaboratively supporting the advancement of compounds through in vitro and in vivo studies to identify development candidates.
• Collaboration with structure-based design groups to impact rational design of molecules.
• Generating novel, testable hypotheses to enable clear decision making.
• Contributing to defining scientific strategies and goals within a project team setting.
• Presenting data and reports on project status at individual, group, and departmental meetings.
• Drafting, executing and serving as lead author on research published in peer reviewed journals, and presenting work at scientific conferences.
• Develop and supervise more junior staff where applicable.
• Keep abreast of the emerging scientific literature with respect to medicinal chemistry and synthetic organic chemistry

• A PhD in synthetic, organic or medicinal chemistry
• Postdoctoral experience is preferred  
• Strong track record of achievement in the synthesis of complex molecules and/or synthetic methodology development, with deep knowledge of modern synthetic & analytical techniques is required
• Proven track record of scientific contributions including peer reviewed publications, patents and presentations is required  
• Handson experience with automated synthesis approaches and/or high throughputexperimentation is preferred
• Independent thinking and the ability to effectively collaborate in a highly matrixed environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparation of presentations.
• Fluent in English

• A passion for hands-on science and delivering high qualityresults in the lab.

• Enthusiastic scientist with can-do mentality that canproactively connect to the Medicinal Chemistry team and other relevantdepartments, fostering discussion and knowledge exchange.

• Good communication, organizing, and planning skills and theability to take leadership for and drive decision making in a research project.

• Ability to develop and deliver a presentation on technicaldata with strong business impact.

• Creative mind that can see things from different perspectivesand come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. Abilityto introduce best practices from previous work experiences into the new team.

• Desire for continuous learning and the ability to identify,evaluate and implement emerging areas of science.

Interestedto apply for this position?