Distinguished Scientist, Discovery-Oncology

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine•Spring House, PA

16h•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 Distinguished Scientist will lead a cross-disciplinary team developing a robust platform to engineer and optimize T-cell engagers (TCEs) and small-molecule therapeutics. The role calls for expertise in cancer biology or immunology, mechanisms that trigger robust antitumor responses, molecule design or combination strategies to overcome the solid-tumor microenvironment, and assays used to characterize T-cell functional performance. The successful candidate will drive innovation in TCE design by identifying enabling technologies through internal or external efforts, and will bring industry program leadership experience and a record of managing teams and developing scientific talent. The role also contributes to leadership of the PDAS discovery team by shaping strategy across workstreams. The Distinguished Scientist will foster scientific excellence, innovation, collaboration, and open communication while delivering prioritized research goals. The position includes partnering across therapeutic areas and with external organizations, supporting business development and diligence, contributing to intellectual property and scientific publications, and mentoring 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.
A track record of innovation in the large-molecule space, including seeking and integrating new technologies, processes, techniques, and diverse subject areas to meet research objectives.
Strong matrixed leadership, including influencing and collaborating with peers, mentoring scientists, and coordinating colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and business impact.
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 how to partner with legal and business development teams on IP strategies, external partnerships, and freedom-to-operate opportunities.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to foster highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams.
Expertise in cancer biology or immunology and mechanisms that trigger robust antitumor 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.

Nice To Haves

Preferred skills listed: Budget Management; Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC); Clinical Trial Protocols; Consulting; Design Mindset; Drug Discovery Development; Good Governance; Industry Analysis; Interdisciplinary Work; Market Research; Presentation Design; Process Improvements; Product Development; Product Licensing; Product Strategies; Risk Management; Scientific Research.

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 to advance 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 to pursue next-generation TCE or small-molecule opportunities.
Promote collaboration across workstreams and functions through open communication and transparency.
Contribute to intellectual property, public presentations, and manuscript writing.
Identify academic partnerships that complement key research initiatives.
Mentor scientists and promote their personal and professional development.
Help lead the PDAS discovery team by shaping strategy across its workstreams.
Recruit, develop, and retain talent and build productive, efficient teams.
Support research collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, and research institutions.
Work with legal and business development teams on IP strategies, external collaborations, and freedom-to-operate opportunities.
Apply forward-thinking strategy while delivering key near-term project objectives.