Postdoc Modeling and Simulation QSAR/PBPK

Job description

Position Summary

Within Discovery Sciences at Janssen R&D, the group of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism (PDM) provides expertise in the mechanistic understanding of drug disposition properties. A variety of complementary methodologies are being used in the group to better understand the absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion (ADME) properties of candidate drugs. Many of the most important ADME features are explored by in vitro and in vivo tests. In silico or computational methods however are of particular interest as well because they can be easily integrated into the early stage of the drug discovery process by using only the ‘virtual' structure of the compounds.
The overarching goal of the current position will be to facilitate early compound selection through modeling and simulation. This will accelerate drug discovery and improve the early discovery portfolio by deselection of risky compounds, by the selection of compounds with acceptable ADME profile and by providing guidance tools for risk mitigation. Even though the focus of this position will be on the development of molecules for the treatment of colorectal cancer, other therapeutic areas will benefit as well from this analysis. The applicant will be responsible for the development of in silico approaches to 1) predict important ADME properties with emphasis on intrinsic clearance and permeability; and 2) predict human pharmacokinetics in plasma and target tissue.

We are looking for an enthusiastic post-doctoral researcher with experience in Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) models. Furthermore, as the translation towards human concentrations in plasma and tissue plays a pivotal role in this project, we are searching for a candidate with a good understanding of ADME properties. The candidate will work in an exciting environment across the different stages of preclinical drug discovery and will interact with several internal and external groups. The position will be based in Beerse (Belgium).


Primary responsibilities:

• Development of QSAR models (database cleaning, evaluation of existing computational models for Janssen chemistry, setting up custom made models for predicting in silico ADME properties)
• Development of physiology based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models (translating compound specific properties in a physiological context using commercially available software (GastroPlus/SimCYP))
• Design and execution of hypothesis-driven experiments (e.g. intrinsic clearance, permeability, preclinical in vivo pharmacokinetics), ability to perform data analysis, interpretation, and troubleshooting if necessary.
• Work collaboratively with in vitro scientists, statistical specialists, and computational scientists to solve scientific problems. Maintain efficient interactions with internal and external collaborators.
• Keep up to date on literature related to the field. Propose novel and actionable ideas, aligned with scientific strategies and demands.
• Present data internally and externally.

Desired profile

Qualifications:


Education:
• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or similar. Alternatively, a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, Biomedical Sciences or equivalent combined with a good understanding of biostatistics and drug design/discovery.
Related experience:
• Experience in QSAR and/or PBPK modeling is preferred.
• Deep understanding of pharmacokinetics is preferred.
• Working knowledge of in vitro lab activities (intrinsic clearance, permeability) is a plus (i.e. a good understanding of the in- and outputs of experimental studies, and a good sense of the experimental uncertainty/error).
Personal skills & competencies:
• High motivation in combination with strong scientific curiosity, creativeness and a high level of autonomy.
• Strong team orientation, highly collaborative and results-oriented.
• In depth knowledge of literature to function as an internal expert.
• Excellent organizational skills and knowledge of the English language is required (oral/written)

What's in it for you…?
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