Principal Scientist, Mechanistic & Cellular Pharmacology

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine • Spring House, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Within our team we contribute to the progression of cross-modality drug discovery projects from target identification to clinical development. We’re searching for a talented scientist with an immunology background, deep expertise in disease biology and cellular pharmacology, and a passion for finding innovative therapeutics to treat diseases with high unmet medical need. You will be responsible for: Leading the development of innovative cell-based assays for immunology-focused projects to identify and evaluate targets, and to progress hits and lead molecules. Acting as a key liaison within the Mechanistic & Cellular Pharmacology team, across our broader Discovery Technologies & Molecular Pharmacology department, and with program teams, to enable project strategy and execution in partnership with cross-functional colleagues. Contributing to the integration of translational and mechanistic biology with novel AI/ML methods to enable the discovery of novel therapeutics. Collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists to drive portfolio and platform initiatives. Analyzing and presenting data at program team meetings, in-house seminars, leadership meetings and external scientific conferences, and publish research in high-quality journals.

Requirements

• A PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 4 years in a pharmaceutical industry setting, developing and applying novel cellular assays is required.
• Proven track record in leading immunology-focused drug discovery programs across diverse modalities is required.
• Expertise and proven accomplishments in de novo immunology cellular pharmacology assay development, complex immune cellular models and high-throughput technology platforms is required.
• Experience with generating and culturing translationally relevant cell models such as iPSC-derived cells, primary cells, and/or co-cultures is required.
• Expertise collecting and analyzing data using high dimensional approaches such as high content imaging and/or flow cytometry is required.
• Strong experience as a problem solver and team collaborator able to facilitate understanding between biologists, chemists, and data scientists is required.
• Demonstrated ability to apply novel approaches to address complex biology questions, as evidenced through strong peer-reviewed publications is required.
• Excellent written communication, verbal communication, and oral presentation skills are required.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in assay automation and analysis workflows is preferred.
• Expertise developing assays in translational and advanced cellular systems such as 3D models is preferred.
• Exposure to neuroscience and/or oncology therapeutic areas is preferred.
• Experience working with and/or guiding external collaborators in industry or academia is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development of innovative cell-based assays for immunology-focused projects to identify and evaluate targets, and to progress hits and lead molecules.
• Acting as a key liaison within the Mechanistic & Cellular Pharmacology team, across our broader Discovery Technologies & Molecular Pharmacology department, and with program teams, to enable project strategy and execution in partnership with cross-functional colleagues.
• Contributing to the integration of translational and mechanistic biology with novel AI/ML methods to enable the discovery of novel therapeutics.
• Collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists to drive portfolio and platform initiatives.
• Analyzing and presenting data at program team meetings, in-house seminars, leadership meetings and external scientific conferences, and publish research in high-quality journals.

What This Job Offers

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