Postdoctoral Scholar, Cell and Genetic Medicine
About The Position
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine R&D is recruiting for a Postdoctoral Scholar, Cell and Genetic Medicine located in San Diego, CA. This is a fixed-term role and is ineligible for severance. The Postdoctoral Scholar will focus on advancing Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP)-based nucleic acid delivery and genome engineering approaches for next-generation cell and gene therapy applications. This individual will design and execute in vitro assays, evaluate delivery efficiency and nuclear delivery in relevant cellular models, and contribute to LNP formulation and targeted delivery strategies. They will collaborate across cross-functional teams to advance research spanning molecular delivery and genome engineering in a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment. This postdoctoral research position will require full-time, on-site work in a BSL-2 laboratory environment. It is designed to provide advanced scientific training, exposure to drug discovery and pre-clinical development processes, and opportunities to contribute to innovative research in non-viral nucleic acid delivery and genome engineering for cell and gene therapy applications.
Requirements
- A minimum of a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline is required.
- Strong foundation in molecular biology and nucleic acid biochemistry, genome editing, or related molecular systems is required.
- Demonstrated experience in in vitro assay development and cellular experimentation is required.
- Experience working with mammalian cell systems is required.
- Demonstrated interest in expanding into nanoparticle delivery systems (e.g., LNPs) and associated analytical techniques is required.
- Proven ability to independently design and execute experiments with minimal supervision and limited hands-on training is required.
- Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Must have creative problem-solving skills.
- Must have strong data analysis and experimental design skills.
- Must have a high level of self-motivation, ownership, and scientific rigor in a research environment.
Nice To Haves
- Prior exposure to lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation, nucleic acid delivery systems, or nanoparticle characterization is preferred.
- Familiarity with analytical techniques relevant to nanoparticle systems (e.g., size, encapsulation, or physicochemical characterization) is preferred.
- Experience with HPLC or related analytical methods is preferred.
- Experience with bioconjugation or targeted delivery approaches is preferred.
- Knowledge of CRISPR-based genome editing or targeted integration workflows is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Independently design, execute, and optimize in vitro assays to assess LNP-mediated nucleic acid tolerability, delivery and nuclear localization in relevant cellular models, including primary immune cells.
- Support the molecular design and evaluation of approaches to improve nuclear uptake, leveraging expertise in molecular and cellular biology as well as nucleic acid biochemistry or related fields.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data with scientific rigor, ensuring reproducibility and data quality.
- Contribute to lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and optimization efforts, including formulation workflows and analytical characterization.
- Actively advance and apply LNP and analytical techniques within the project scope.
- Support development of bioconjugation strategies and related analytical methods for targeted LNP delivery applications.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to advance project goals.
- Develop a scientific and technical skillset through project assignments, advanced training, conferences, internal meetings, and symposia in relevant areas.
- Develop in-depth knowledge of the organization’s drug discovery and preclinical/clinical development processes, programs, policies, and scientific approaches within a multidisciplinary pharmaceutical research environment.
Benefits
- Consolidated retirement plan (pension)
- Savings plan (401(k))
- Long-term incentive program
- Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
- Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year (varies by state)
- Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
- Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
- Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
- Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
- Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
- Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
- Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
