Distinguished Scientist, Discovery-Oncology

6084-Janssen Research & Development Legal Entity•Spring House, PA

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Oncology Discovery is seeking an outstanding, highly motivated leader to help create best-in-class therapeutics for prostate cancer. The role leads a cross-disciplinary team developing a platform to engineer and optimize T-cell engagers (TCEs) and small-molecule therapeutics. The successful candidate brings expertise in cancer biology or immunology, mechanisms that trigger robust anti-tumor responses, molecule design or combination strategies to address the solid-tumor microenvironment, and assays used to characterize T-cell functional performance. The Distinguished Scientist will drive innovation in TCE design by identifying enabling technologies through internal or external efforts, lead scientific programs and teams, and contribute to the strategy of the PDAS discovery team. The role also involves collaboration across therapeutic areas and functions, external partnerships, intellectual property, scientific communications, and the development of team members.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Cancer Biology and/or Immunology.
At least 12 years of industry experience leading portfolio programs and teams.
Hands-on experience with large molecules and a track record of advancing large-molecule candidates through lead selection and IND-enabling activities.
Knowledge of large-molecule drug development.
Demonstrated innovation in the large-molecule space, including seeking new technologies, processes, and techniques and integrating diverse subject areas to achieve research objectives.
Experience recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent and building productive, efficient teams.
Experience supporting research collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, and research institutions.
Understanding of partnering with legal resources and business development teams to build IP strategies, collaborate with external partners, and identify freedom-to-operate opportunities.
Strong matrixed leadership, including influencing and collaborating with peers, developing and mentoring scientists, and coordinating colleagues’ work to achieve meaningful outcomes and business impact.
Ability to foster collaborative, multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to apply forward-thinking strategy while delivering key near-term project objectives.
Expertise in cancer biology or immunology and mechanisms that trigger robust anti-tumor responses.
Direct experience in small- or large-molecule design and/or combination strategies to overcome the solid-tumor microenvironment.
Knowledge of assays used to characterize optimal T-cell functional performance.
Prior program leadership experience in industry and a track record of excellence in managing teams and developing scientific talent.

Responsibilities

Lead scientists in nominating T-cell engagers and costimulatory molecules for prostate cancer treatment.
Lead development of state-of-the-art assays to identify optimal TCE candidates and maximize therapeutic potential and durability in solid tumors.
Foster scientific excellence and innovation while delivering prioritized goals and developing next-generation TCE and costimulatory platforms.
Partner with leaders in other therapeutic areas to select optimal binders, molecular configurations, and delivery strategies.
Organize business development and diligence efforts with internal and external partners for next-generation TCE or small-molecule therapy opportunities.
Encourage open communication and transparency to remove barriers to collaboration across workstreams and functions.
Contribute to intellectual property, public presentations, and manuscript writing.
Identify academic partnerships that complement key research initiatives.
Mentor team scientists and promote their personal and professional development.
Contribute to leadership of the PDAS discovery team by crafting strategy across workstreams.