Principal Scientist, Spatial Omics

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine • Cambridge, MA

2d • $117,000 - $201,250 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are searching for exceptional candidates for a Principal Scientist, Spatial Omics, role as part of Multiomics Discovery located in Cambridge, MA or Spring House, PA. The ideal candidate will lead the development, validation, and deployment of cutting-edge spatial and molecular profiling capabilities to advance therapeutic discovery across neuroscience, oncology, and immunology, with deep expertise in at least one of these therapeutic areas preferred. This Principal Scientist role combines strategic leadership with hands-on scientific execution and is responsible for designing, optimizing, and applying molecular, phenotypic, and spatial assays that generate robust, reproducible, and biologically meaningful data. The Principal Scientist will drive end-to-end development of functional genomics and spatial biology workflows, including genetic perturbation libraries, massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs), pooled screening approaches, and spatial genomics technologies. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in genomic technologies and will develop custom experimental workflows that integrate perturbation library design, cellular engineering, spatial guide capture, and transcriptomic profiling. The role will also be responsible for establishing and scaling laboratory infrastructure, implementing new technologies, and providing technical leadership across multiple experimental platforms. Additional responsibilities include building data-generation pipelines, troubleshooting complex studies, and managing CROs and external technology partners to accelerate capability development and technology adoption. The position will provide opportunities to validate discoveries in relevant in vitro and ex vivo disease models and to collaborate closely with computational scientists to translate experimental findings into actionable biological insights. Ideal candidates bring extensive experience in functional genomics, complex genetic screening, and spatial biology, preferably within a disease-focused research setting. They possess strong experimental design and assay development skills and have demonstrated success deploying novel genomic technologies across diverse cell and tissue systems. Candidates should have sufficient computational literacy to understand experimental data flows and interface effectively with bioinformatics and data science teams. Experience with spatial transcriptomics, genetic library design, massively parallel reporter assays, CRISPR-based perturbation approaches, pooled screening technologies, and cell engineering is highly desirable.

Requirements

• PhD in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Molecular Pathology, Systems biology, Human biology or a related discipline is required.
• Post-doctoral fellowship in a related field is required. Alternatively, industry experience with a proven track-record of delivering completed complex projects will be considered.
• A minimum of 6 years of biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience is required. Academic staff scientist experience in deeply technical, matrixed, project facing roles will be considered.
• Strong track record of high-impact scientific deliverables as evidenced by publications, presentations, and recognition within the scientific community.
• Deep, technical spatial omics expertise is required, including understanding of end-to-end workflows, methods limitations, and mitigation strategies.
• Excellent written communication, verbal communication, and oral presentation skills are required.
• Experience with Multiomic Datasets is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines and functional areas is required.
• Ability to apply novel approaches to address complex biology questions, as evidenced through strong peer-reviewed publications is required

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in programming languages such as R or Python is preferred.
• In vitro cell culture and genomics library design experience is preferred.
• Experience as a problem solver, and team collaborator able to facilitate understanding between biologists and data scientists is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines is preferred.
• Experience working with and/or guiding external collaborators in industry or academia is preferred

Responsibilities

• Leading the development, optimization, and validation of spatial genomics and molecular profiling assays to support neuroscience, oncology, and immunology programs.
• Designing and executing experimental workflows involving tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, microscopy, high‑resolution slide imaging and sequencing. Experience with Bruker CosMx and 10x Genomics Visium is highly preferred and will be required for this role.
• Establishing and refining new functional genomics and massively parallel cell assays, including troubleshooting, workflow development, and technical feasibility assessments.
• Building and scaling laboratory infrastructure, including lab setup, instrumentation planning, and operational readiness.
• Managing CROs and external partners, ensuring high‑quality data generation, timeline alignment, and technical deliverables.
• Collaborating closely with therapeutic area teams to translate multiomics and spatial readouts into actionable biological insights.
• Contributing to data workflows by supporting early-stage data mapping, QC frameworks, and analytical handoffs to computational teams.

Benefits

• Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
• Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado –48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year
• 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 period10 days
• Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
• Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year

What This Job Offers

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