Associate Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Process Development

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine • Spring House, PA

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

Johnson & Johnson is seeking a motivated Associate Scientist to join their Lentivirus Small Scale Process Development team within the Discovery, Product Development & Supply (DPDS) organization, specifically the API CGT group. This role is located in Spring House, PA, and supports upstream cell culture process development for lentiviral vector–based cell and gene therapy products. The Associate Scientist will integrate into the upstream development team, executing experiments under the guidance of senior scientists and team leads. Key responsibilities include performing, maintaining, and monitoring cell cultures, collaborating with project teams, and supporting experimental activities related to scaling viral vector–based processes from shake flasks to bioreactor systems. The role also involves assisting in identifying process parameters, performing planned experiments, contributing to upstream cell culture process optimization, participating in data analysis for early- and late-stage programs, and providing support for technology transfer activities to GMP clinical or commercial manufacturing sites. Additional laboratory studies, such as media optimization or evaluation of new upstream technologies, may be performed as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related scientific field is required
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant industry or research experience in cell culture, upstream process development, or a comparable bioprocessing role is required
• Hands-on experience with aseptic techniques and mammalian cell culture systems is required (e.g., shake flasks)
• Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data and troubleshoot routine process challenges is required
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a commitment to safety, quality, and good documentation practices is required
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling effective collaboration in a cross-functional environment is required

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to bioreactors preferred
• Experience with viral vector process development and mammalian cell culture analytics is preferred
• Familiarity with bioreactor systems (e.g., Wave or stirred-tank bioreactors) is preferred
• Strong communication skills and ability to operate effectively within a team-based environment is preferred

Responsibilities

• Performing small-scale upstream lentiviral vector process development using mammalian cell culture systems
• Executing routine cell culture activities, including aseptic techniques, cell expansion, feeding strategies, and harvest operations
• Assisting with process characterization studies supporting development milestones, regulatory filings, and process understanding
• Designing and executing experiments, analyze data, prepare technical reports and presentations
• Supporting technology transfer of upstream processes to manufacturing sites as needed
• Maintaining accurate and timely documentation of experimental work in electronic laboratory notebooks, ensuring data integrity and compliance
• Staying current with relevant scientific literature and new technologies related to upstream viral vector processing

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees