Preclinical Research Associate Director
About The Position
Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Electrophysiology, is seeking a Preclinical Evidence & External Partnerships Associate Director in Irvine, California. The position follows a hybrid work model and is part of the Cardiovascular team, which develops solutions for heart recovery, electrophysiology, and stroke. The Associate Director drives pre-market evidence-generation strategies and physician collaborations. Working with cross-functional teams and external research investigators, the role generates clinically relevant evidence for the company’s product pipeline. Responsibilities include developing preclinical evidence strategies to support first-in-human use, managing the external research program and physician partnerships, reviewing study proposals, supporting study execution, and overseeing program metrics and updates. The role also contributes to evidence dissemination and publication planning, provides scientific input to publications, supports preclinical protocol development, and advises external physician partners on proposed research plans. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in biological science or a related discipline, at least eight years of related scientific and technical experience including leadership or management experience, and at least two years of people-management-related experience. An advanced degree and experience in cardiovascular, electrophysiology, or structural heart are preferred. Domestic and international travel of up to 25% may be required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in biological science or a related discipline.
- At least 8 years of related scientific and technical experience, including leadership or management experience within Medical Affairs or a similar role.
- At least 2 years of people-management-related experience.
- Expertise in preclinical science and processes.
- Broad understanding of product development processes, team dynamics, the related healthcare market environment, clinical trends, and clinical trial regulations.
- Ability to lead a team of preclinical scientists and provide strategic and scientific research input across new product development projects.
- Proven track record of contributing to medical programs on time, within budget, and in compliance with SOPs and regulations.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD).
- Experience in cardiovascular, electrophysiology, or structural heart.
- Experience supporting global regulatory submissions for medical devices, biologics, or drugs, including IDE, 510(k), De Novo, PMA, and/or global counterparts.
Responsibilities
- Develop preclinical evidence strategies to support first-in-human use across portfolio programs.
- Manage the preclinical external research program and physician partnerships in coordination with cross-functional clinical science partners.
- Review new study proposals and ensure timely decisions and execution of approved studies, working with external stakeholders.
- Use program data and metrics to conduct regular program reviews and provide updates to team leadership.
- Support evidence-generation and dissemination strategy through the external research program, align publication plans, and identify gaps.
- Drive publication development with investigators and internal scientific affairs partners.
- Provide critical scientific input to publications.
- Contribute to preclinical protocol development for portfolio products.
- Provide input to external physician partners on proposed preclinical research plans.
- Lead a team of preclinical scientists in providing strategic and scientific research input across new product development projects.
- Contribute to medical programs on time, within budget, and in compliance with SOPs and regulations.
Benefits
- Vacation: 120 hours per calendar year.
- Sick time: 40 hours per calendar year, with different amounts for employees residing in Colorado or Washington.
- 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, or foster care of a child.
- Bereavement leave: 240 hours for an immediate family member and 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
Director
