Postdoctoral Scholar, Immunogenicity

Johnson & Johnson • Spring House, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

A current gap exists in the ability of preclinical models to accurately predict clinical immunogenicity and anti-drug antibody (ADA) rates and its impact (e.g., safety and efficacy) on therapeutic biologics. Bioanalytical Discovery & Development Sciences (BDDS) department within the Preclinical Sciences & Translational Safety (PSTS) organization at Johnson &Johnson is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to develop and scientifically validate in vitro and immune organoid models for preclinical immunogenicity assessment of therapeutic biologics. To pair with data generated by in vitro models, the postdoc will work with colleagues to develop a database to aid in immunogenicity assessment via reverse engineering through comprehensive drug-specific datasets. Successful development of these novel immunogenicity tools will aid in the identification and development of safer and more efficacious biologics. In this position, the postdoctoral scholar will lead assay development and optimization of novel in vitro immunogenicity models, demonstrate proof of concept of in vitro immunogenicity models, and author SOPs. The postdoc will work cross-functionally with colleagues from PSTS, clinical pharmacology, discovery, translational safety, and other relevant organizations to enable broader adoption of in vitro tools (in vitro and bioinformatic) as part of the preclinical development strategy.

Requirements

• A PhD in Immunology, Bioengineering, Immuno-Oncology, or a related field is required.
• Hands‑on experience developing and optimizing immunoassays (e.g., ELISA, ELISpot/FluoroSpot, Flow Cytometry, or related) measuring immune responses is required.
• Primary immune cell culture experience: short- and long-term mammalian immune cell culture, primary immune cell isolation from tissue or primary fluids (e.g. whole blood, cerebrospinal fluid), and primary immune cell differentiation is required.
• Demonstrated record of immunology-related publications is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work in cross‑functional teams and present technical results to diverse audiences is required.
• Strong interpersonal & collaborative skills with an ability to operate as part of a team in a highly interdependent environment is required.
• Must be adaptable, responsive, and committed to completing tasks in a timely fashion.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with 3D cell culture systems such as but not limited to organoids and/or organ-on-a-chip is preferred.
• Experience developing or conducting in vitro vaccination and/or in vitro PBMC expansion assays is preferred.
• Familiarity with bioanalytical platforms for ultrasensitive detection and an understanding of their strengths/limitations such as LC/MS and Immunopeptidomics is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leading the design, development, and optimization of in vitro models enabling immunogenicity assessments of therapeutic biologics (e.g., MAPPs, immune organoids, organ-on-a-chip, etc).
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams (PSTS, clinical pharmacology, discovery, data sciences, translational science, and external partners) to build a comprehensive drug-specific database.
• Attending technical seminars, workshops, or conferences for improving practical or technical knowledge and enabling completion of project objectives.
• Producing and maintaining clear technical documentation, including electronic notebooks and SOPs to support reproducibility and technology dissemination.
• Communicating findings through written reports, presentations, and contributions to manuscripts.

What This Job Offers

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