Senior Scientist, PET Radiochemist

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 jnj.com

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world.  We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual.  At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

Job Function:

Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development

Job Sub Function:

Chemical Research

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

San Diego, California, United States of America

Job Description:

About Innovative Medicine

Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow.
 

Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way.
 

Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/innovative-medicine   
 

We are searching for the best talent for a Senior Scientist, PET Radiochemist to be located in La Jolla, CA.
 

Purpose: We are seeking a passionate and innovative Senior Scientist, PET Radiochemist to join our dynamic Radiochemistry team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative research that directly impacts our development pipeline and business outcomes within R&D.
 

Join us to be part of a collaborative team pushing the boundaries of medical imaging and radiochemistry. If you're passionate about innovation and making a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you!
 

You will be responsible for:

• Radiolabeling small and large lead molecules with PET and SPECT imaging isotopes.
   
• Proactively investigating and optimizing existing radiosynthetic processes or developing new, improved methods.
   
• Synthesizing precursors and standards in a chemistry lab on an ad hoc basis as needed.
   
• Generating independent hypotheses based on synthesis and design data; completing follow-up experiments, purifications, and analyses with minimal supervision.
   
• Reviewing and improving standard procedures to enhance current approaches.
   
• Drafting and submitting peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, and patent applications.
   
• Independently planning, completing, and troubleshooting experiments; documenting data; interpreting results; and communicating findings optimally.
   
• Collaborating with global therapeutic areas, external partners, academic institutions, and CROs to support imaging studies and develop novel imaging biomarkers.
   

Qualifications / Requirements:

Education:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related field with 6+ years of industry experience is required. An advanced degree, Master's with 4+ years of industry experience or a PhD with 2+ years post-doctoral or industry experience, is highly preferred.
   

Experience and Skills:

• Experience in radiochemistry and imaging probe development is required.
   
• Confirmed expertise in radiolabeling both small and large molecule PET tracers is  preferred.
   
• Proficiency with radioisotopes such as F-18, Cu-64, Ga-68, and Zr-89 is required.
   
• Familiarity with automated PET synthesis modules is preferred.
   
• Knowledge of radiation safety principles and health physics is required.
   
• Industry experience is advantageous, but not required.
   

Other:

• This role is entirely lab-focused.
   

The expected base pay range for this position is $105,000 to $169,050.

The Company maintains highly competitive, performance-based compensation programs. Under current guidelines, this position is eligible for an annual performance bonu