Postdoctoral Scholar, Protein Formulations

Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson · Pharma · Malvern, PA +1

This postdoctoral scholar position is an opportunity within the protein formulations group in Drug Product Development & Delivery (DPD&D). This position will be a lab-based role. The postdoctoral scholar will be responsible for experimental studies to evaluate and characterize the efficacy of molecular chaperones as therapeutic protein stabilizers. Therapeutic proteins to be evaluated include mAbs, bispecifics and multispecifics. This includes development and optimization of the technical operations associated with biologics development, high protein concentration feasibility, molecular chaperone screening, biophysical analysis of protein therapeutics, analysis of small molecule / mAb interactions, protein formulation optimization, and stability campaigns. Where applicable, the postdoctoral scholar will be exposed to, and potentially assist with, computational evaluation of small molecule / mAb interactions. The postdoctoral scholar will work independently as well as with cross-functional teams to support project needs and meet project deliverables.

What you'd actually do

  1. Plan and execute studies to evaluate novel small molecule chaperones for the ability to stabilize large molecule (antibody) assets within the JNJ portfolio.
  2. Prepare and deliver data-driven presentations to various stakeholders
  3. Development, training, conferences, internal meetings, and symposia

Skills

Required

  • protein biophysical characterization techniques (e.g. DSF, DSC, CD, ITC, NMR)
  • analytical / separations techniques commonly used in the analysis of proteins (e.g. SEC, cIEF)
  • interpret protein stability data and identify protein liabilities / mechanism of degradation from biophysical and bioanalytical assays
  • use emerging developments in relevant scientific fields to support new technical and research initiatives focused on formulation / excipient-dependent protein stability
  • Communication and collaboration skills with scientifically diverse teams
  • learn and navigate problems with a high degree of independence
  • Publication and presentation history and involvement with scientific organizations or conferences

Nice to have

  • Molecular modeling/visualization software (e.g., PyMOL, MOE, VMD)
  • Molecular dynamics methodology and software (e.g., GROMACS, NAMD, Amber)
  • Linux shell scripting and Python

What the JD emphasized

  • PhD in in an appropriate scientific field such as Biophysics, Chemistry, Bioengineering is required
  • Experience using protein biophysical characterization techniques (e.g. DSF, DSC, CD, ITC, NMR)
  • Knowledge of analytical / separations techniques commonly used in the analysis of proteins (e.g. SEC, cIEF)
  • Ability to interpret protein stability data and identify protein liabilities / mechanism of degradation from biophysical and bioanalytical assays
  • Ability to use emerging developments in relevant scientific fields to support new technical and research initiatives focused on formulation / excipient-dependent protein stability
  • Communication and collaboration skills with scientifically diverse teams
  • Capability to learn and navigate problems with a high degree of independence
  • Publication and presentation history and involvement with scientific organizations or conferences