Director, Translational Sciences-Immunology

Johnson & Johnson • San Diego, CA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

Johnson & Johnson is seeking a Director, Translational Sciences (TS) for its Immunology Translational Sciences and Medicine organization in San Diego, California. Translational Sciences and Medicine connects Discovery Research with later-stage Clinical Development. The group applies human-based data and tissues, biomarker development, disease biology research, immunology, and data science to advance therapies for immune-mediated diseases.

The Director will lead the Immunology Translational Science team’s work on drug discovery projects, including the design and implementation of experiments and interpretation of data to advance therapies across immunologic diseases. The role will build and execute strategies for assets across the Immunology portfolio, with emphasis on Immuno-Dermatology. The Director will lead bench scientists working on human skin-based stimulation models, assay development, and data interpretation, and will develop translational biomarker plans for preclinical and early clinical programs. The role also includes identifying and validating non-invasive skin biomarker technologies and partnering with Discovery, Translational Medicine scientists, and external collaborators to advance disease understanding, target validation, and indication exploration. The Director will contribute to project decision-making and serve on the TS Extended Leadership Team.

Requirements

• Ph.D. and a minimum of 7–10 years of relevant experience.
• Industry and/or translational research experience.
• Immunology expertise and broad laboratory experience, including skin-based immunoassays.
• Immuno-dermatology expertise, such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
• Creative, talented, and capable of problem-solving.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills.
• Dynamic, entrepreneurial mindset.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors.
• People-management experience in a matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of bench scientists.
• Design and execute translational science and biomarker plans that integrate disease and pathway approaches to support early Immuno-Dermatology portfolio programs.
• Lead efforts to identify and validate non-invasive biomarker technologies for use in clinical trials.
• Guide team members in stakeholder management and communication of study results to inform strategic program decisions.
• Work with leaders in partner functions to ensure project goals are met.
• Develop strong translational packages to evaluate new target identification, target evaluation, and indication selection, collaborating across discovery and clinical development.
• Recommend investments and lead key external collaborations.
• Build and execute strategies to advance assets across the Immunology portfolio, with an emphasis on Immuno-Dermatology.
• Design and guide laboratory experiments using human skin-based stimulation models, develop assays, and interpret data.
• Contribute proactively to project-team decision-making and participate in leadership of the broader Translational Sciences organization.

Benefits

• Annual performance bonus, subject to the applicable plan and company discretion.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance, short- and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance.
• Eligibility to participate in the company consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
• Eligibility to participate in the long-term incentive program.
• Vacation of up to 120 hours per calendar year.
• Sick time of up to 40 hours per calendar year (up to 56 hours for Washington residents).
• Holiday pay, including floating holidays, of up to 13 days per calendar year.
• Work, Personal and Family Time of up to 40 hours per calendar year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree