Principal Scientist, Cell Therapy Process Development

Johnson & Johnson•Spring House, PA

About The Position

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com About Innovative Medicine Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow. Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/innovative-medicine We are searching for the best talent for the best Principal Scientist, Cell Therapy Process Development to be in Spring House, PA. Purpose: We are seeking an energetic, highly motivated, and creative Principal Scientist to join us in our mission to improve next generation CAR-T cell therapy products for cancer patients within the Cell Therapy Development organization. The ideal candidate has demonstrated expertise in cell therapy process development, particularly late stage (process characterization and validation). In this role, they will design and lead process characterization and optimization studies resulting in the development of new production processes. The successful candidate will work as part of cross-functional teams supporting pre-clinical and clinical programs, focused on CMC development.

Requirements

PhD in Immunology, Biological Sciences or Biomedical Engineering with at least 5 years of relevant industry experience (academic experience post-graduate also considered) OR a BS or MS in Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering or Immunology with 6-8 years of experience.
Knowledge of biology/immunology/biochemistry as applied in cell and gene therapy processes is required
Knowledge and experience in autologous CAR-T cell therapy required, together with a demonstrated understanding of T cell biology, and fundamental immunology.
Prior hands-on experience with equipment and unit operations typically used in process development and manufacture of cell therapy products is required
Experience with cell culture bioreactor operations and process scale up with application to cell therapy is required; expertise in gene editing using lentiviral vector, flow cytometry and potency assays is advantageous
Proven leadership skills and problem-solving experience in cell therapy industry with an emphasis on pipeline projects
Deep understanding of biologics industry process development strategies and best practices as applied from early development to late stage and commercialization
Must be detail-oriented, highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks, handle tight timelines and deliver quality data.
Must have excellent communication, interpersonal and collaborative skills
Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment as a team player with a strong work ethic.
Highly adaptable and responsive, and committed to completing tasks in a timely fashion
Occasional weekend work may be required.
This role may require up to 10% travel as needed.

Responsibilities

Leverage own experience in cell therapy process development to guide autologous platform and process development efforts focused on patient-derived CAR-T cells
Design, lead, and execute process characterization studies for autologous CAR‑T manufacturing, including development of study protocols, implementation of DOE/statistical analyses, preparation of comprehensive study reports and risk/impact assessments
Mentor and train junior team members on experimental procedures and foster their professional development
Collaborate with and participate in cross-functional teams to facilitate IND-enabling, clinical Phase I/II-enabling activities as well as BLA enabling workstreams
Identify, critically assess and evaluate opportunities to improve manufacturing outcomes such as improving success rate, throughput, reducing cost, process time and product quality of the final drug product
Utilize phase-appropriate process development strategies to identify process parameters and appropriate ranges using QbD principles as applied to cell therapy
Support successful technology transfer activities, writing protocols, reports, and performing and coordinating activities to support successful manufacturing with internal and external partners
Communicate program progress and issues to management, stakeholders and to regulatory agencies as necessary.

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