Description

Department: Viral Vaccine Generation

Location: Leiden

Reports To: Senior Scientific Director

Janssen, a member of Johnson & Johnson's Family of Companies are dedicated to addressing and solving the most important unmet medical needs of our time, including: oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious disease, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we develop sustainable, integrated healthcare solutions by working side-by-side with healthcare stakeholders, based on partnerships of trust and transparency.

We are Janssen. Our mission drives us. Our patients inspire us. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it.

Position Summary:

The Principal Scientist for RNA Manufacturing and Analytics will be responsible for leading a team of scientists in establishing RNA manufacturing procedures and analytical testing capabilities, and establishing a pipeline for manufacturing and release of saRNA, mRNA and circular RNA research materials to support development of vaccines and RNA technology development. The successful candidate will work closely with Janssen Vaccines' CMC teams to align on manufacturing and analytical procedures and support CMC development of vaccine candidates.

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

• Establish manufacturing and testing pipeline for saRNA, mRNA and/or circular RNA, including LNP formulation

• Support Janssen Vaccines by generating high quality RNA research materials for animal studies and RNA technology development

• Work closely with Janssen CMC to align on manufacturing and analytical procedures. Support CMC development of vaccine candidates

• Supervise a team of scientists and support their professional development

• Establish internal and external networks in the field of RNA manufacturing and analytics

• Oversee manufacturing, testing and release and process improvement activities

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD degree in a relevant field is required.

• A minimum of 3-4 years of related experience is required.

• The suitable candidate has a proven track record in establishing manufacturing procedures and analytical methods for different RNA modalities. Preferably for RNA vaccines and in an industrial setting. Experience with saRNA is preferred. Has a strong sense of quality control.

• Has deep knowledge of RNA platforms and elements of manufacturing and analytical tools

• Demonstrated experience in working diverse organizations and eco-systems

• Experience in working within a global environment, connecting, and building a network with others in different regions and countries

• Experience in supervising other scientists

• Have strong organizational and communication skills;

• Have good working knowledge of English language

• Possess excellent Microsoft Office skills;

• Is able to work independently, and is flexible;

• Comfortable with ambiguity and adapt to changing business needs and priorities.

• Strong process & project management experience.

• Stays up to date within own area of expertise and takes ownership of own professional development and training plan

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferred Area of Study: Chemistry / Biology

• Hands-on experience in RNA purification and several analytical techniques

• Familiar with electronic data capture and a digitalized lab environment

• Strong scientific reporting skills (verbal and in writing)

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Works closely and supports technology teams and disease project teams. Works closely and aligns with CMC.

External: Establishes external scientific and technical networks. Ensures that internal vs external work is well balanced.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct Reports: Yes

Indirect Reports: Yes