Senior Scientist, Viral Vectors

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:

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 a Senior Scientist, Viral Vectors to be 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!

You will be responsible for:

• Utilize your extensive knowledge in vector generation & testing, virology, and  molecular biology to contribute meaningfully to our cell therapy platform and pipeline development.

• Conduct viral 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.

• Play a key role in the development of innovative vector analytical and characterization assays.

• Leverage your familiarity with automation platforms to scale viral vector production, analytical testing, and cell-based activity measurements.

• Contribute to optimization efforts focused on increasing viral titers and purity to enhance the overall efficiency of production processes.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to test viral vector 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 (e.g. Pharmaceutical Science, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, etc.) with 1-2 years of relevant experience OR a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree with extensive experience.

• Significant experience in enveloped viruses and viral vector production, analytical testing, and characterization.  Experience with lentiviral vectors required. 

• Experience with high throughput assays, techniques, and workflows preferred.

• Demonstrated rigor in assay development and data analysis.

• Strong knowledge of molecular/cell biology techniques, cell culture, and flow cytometry.

• Highly organized and meticulous, with the ability to handle and pursue multiple projects in parallel with a high degree of autonomy.