Senior Scientist, Viral Vectors (Cell and Genetic Medicines Discovery)

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

Job Function:

Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development

Job Sub Function:

Biological Research

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Cambridge, Massachusetts, 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 two Senior Scientist, Viral Vectors (Cell and Genetic Medicines Discovery) that will be based in Cambridge, MA.

Purpose: 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to join our CAR-T cell therapy discovery efforts as a Senior Scientist. In this role, you will play a key part in advancing our research initiatives by leveraging your expertise in viral vectors and molecular biology.  This position presents a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in CAR-T cell therapy. If you are passionate about advancing scientific discovery and possess a collaborative mindset, we invite you to apply!

Responsibilities:

• Utilize your extensive knowledge in vector engineering, virology, and  molecular biology to contribute meaningfully to our cell therapy platform and pipeline development.
• Conduct vector screening, optimize vector packaging and production, and perform analytical quantification of viral vector particles using relevant assessments including protein and PCR-based assays, particle potency testing via flow cytometry, and vector copy number (VCN) analysis.
• Contribute to optimization efforts focused on increasing viral titers and purity to enhance the overall efficiency of production processes.
• Support the development of innovative vector analytical and characterization assays.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to test different designs, ensuring the delivery of reliable and consistent data. Present data to research and cross-functional teams.
• Stay informed about industry developments, continuously learn, and thrive in a fast-paced team environment.
• Deliver results in alignment with project timelines while maintaining accountability for your work.
• Ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) protocols.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field; OR a Master's or Bachelor’s degree with 4-6 years of extensive experience.
• Significant experience in enveloped viruses and viral vector engineering, production, and characterization is required.
• Strong knowledge of molecular/cell biology techniques, cell culture, and flow cytometry is required
• Experience with high throughput assays, techniques, and workflows preferred.
• Highly organized and meticulous, with the ability to handle and pursue multiple projects in parallel with a high degree of autonomy.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills to develop creative, innovative solutions and meet project objectives.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to operate effectively within a team environment.
• Experience in maintaining accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, data, and results in a well-organized electronic lab notebook to ensure reproducibility and accessibility for team members.
• Excellent presentation, verbal communication, and scientific/technical writing skills.

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national or