PhD Student Position: Development of Novel Approaches to Understand and Control the Crystallisation of Industrially Relevant Peptides
Location: Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Beerse, Belgium
Position Type: Full-time, PhD Research Position
About Us:
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a motivated and talented PhD student to join a cross-functional, dynamic, research team focused on the crystallization of industrially relevant peptides. The successful candidate will contribute to a pioneering project aimed at enhancing our understanding of peptide crystallization screening and process development, ultimately developing scalable methodologies for emerging therapeutic modalities.
Background:
Peptide therapeutics have experienced significant growth in the pharmaceutical industry over the past few years, showing their potential across various indications, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, immunology and metabolic disorders. The number of peptide drugs in the developmental pipeline has surged; as of recent years, dozens of peptide therapeutics have entered clinical trials, with several achieving regulatory approval. This trend reflects the growing interest of pharmaceutical companies in peptide-based drugs as viable therapeutic candidates. Ongoing research and advancements in peptide synthesis and efficient downstream purification processes is crucial for the development of this next-generation therapeutic agents. In this context, the ability to crystallize targeted peptides paves the way for a more cost-effective purification strategy, improving drug stability and the manufacturability of drug products.

The aim of this project is to deepen our understanding of peptide crystallization processes while identifying scalable methodologies tailored for the crystallization of emerging therapeutic modalities. This encompasses targeting peptides with varying molecular weights and molecular structures, facilitating the development of robust and adaptable crystallization strategies. Specific objectives:

• Crystallizability Investigation:- Conduct high-throughput screening to investigate the crystallizability of different fragments of model peptides using various techniques such as anti-solvent, salting out, pH, and temperature-driven crystallization.
• Explore diverse peptide variants, including (i) peptides and fragments of different lengths, (ii) cyclic and linear peptides, (iii) peptides with protective groups as intermediates in the synthesis process, and (iv) lipidated versus non-lipidated peptides.
• Intermediate Scale-Up:- Scale up selected crystallization conditions and perform initial evaluations to assess their potential as industrial crystallization processes.
• In-Silico Tool Development:- Develop in-silico virtual screening tools founded on quantum chemical methods, integrated with experimental high-throughput methodologies, to calculate industrially relevant properties of peptide crystals, such as pKa values, protonation/solvation states, and solubility.
• Parameter Optimization:- Scale up selected crystallization conditions, optimizing parameters such as seeding, supersaturation, and solvent composition. Utilize advanced Process Analytical Technologies to monitor liquid and solid phases in real-time while investigating downstream processes, including filtration, washing, and drying.
• Crystallization Kinetics Modeling:- Employ advanced crystallization kinetic process models using population/material balances, aimed at understanding and describing peptide crystal growth and nucleation mechanisms. Develop control trajectories based on these models to achieve desired material attributes.

Benefits and Salary:

• Attractive salary in accordance with MSCA regulations, including: - Living allowance.
• Mobility allowance.
• Family allowance (if applicable).
• Funding for 36 months.
• Opportunities for professional development and networking
• Supervision and mentorship by experienced scientists
• Collaborative and supportive research environment
• Wide training in technical scientific and soft skills
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and international collaborative opportunities within the PROCRYSTAL network. For more information about the PROCRYSTAL network and this position, visit: https://procrystal.csic.es/.
• A chance to contribute to the discovery of a medical breakthrough and a world without disease
• PhD degree awarding institution is the University of Leuven (KU Leuven) – Dept of Chemical Engineering.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

• A Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field.
• Must not already hold a doctoral degree.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A passion for scientific research and a willingness to engage in a collaborative team environment.
• You must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) for a total of 12 months or more in the 36 months immediately before the start date of this position. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account. For international European research organizations, international organizations, or entities created under Union law, recruited researchers must not have spent more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the start date of this position in the same appointing organization.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with computational tools is highly desirable.
• Experience with crystallization techniques, solid-state characterization and/or high-throughput experimental methodologies is an advantage.

Join us at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine and be part of a transformative journey in peptide research that could shape the future of therapeutic development!
Johnson & Johnson is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.

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Please refer the Job description for details