Postdoctoral Researcher– Translational Pk/pd & Investigative Toxicology

Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson · Pharma · Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium

This postdoctoral researcher position focuses on developing and utilizing organotypic translational in vitro tumor models, including patient-derived organoids, to support the characterization of next-generation solid tumor therapies. The role involves employing advanced in vitro models with spatial biology approaches and developing pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacology endpoints to understand anti-tumor responses and predict human dose. The position emphasizes contributing to New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and requires hands-on experience with organoids, tumoroids, bio-printed platforms, and co-culture models with immune cells.

What you'd actually do

  1. developing and utilizing organotypic translational in vitro tumor models
  2. support the characterization of next generation solid tumor therapies
  3. pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacology endpoint development
  4. enable mechanistic understanding of anti-tumor responses
  5. contributing to innovative New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)

Skills

Required

  • PhD degree in a relevant life science discipline
  • Strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience in culturing organotypic models (organoids, tumoroids, bio printed platforms, co-culture models with immune cells)
  • A broad range of hands-on experience in cellular and molecular methodologies such as staining and imaging techniques, cell separation, transcriptomics, enzyme activity assays
  • Ability to innovate on study design for ADME, safety and biological readouts to enable the definition of an in vitro therapeutic window
  • High degree of scientific curiosity and creativity to tackle complex investigational hypotheses
  • Capability to manage multiple divergent research lines while maintaining oversight of project timelines and status
  • Strong interpersonal skills necessary for facilitating efficient interactions with both internal teams and external collaborators

Nice to have

  • postdoctoral experience
  • Relevant doctoral/post-doctoral and/or pharmaceutical industry experience
  • Experience in pharmacology assays
  • Experience in pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics is a plus
  • Experience with analytical techniques (LC-MS/MS) is considered a plus
  • Experience with programming platforms like R and keen interest in in silico approaches is a plus

What the JD emphasized

  • organoids, tumoroids, bio-printed platforms
  • co-culture models with immune cells