Principal Scientist, Vector Biology

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine • Cambridge, MA

1d • $117,000 - $201,250 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Principal Scientist to spearhead receptor and viral‑entry biology initiatives that translate mechanistic insight into therapeutic progress. Responsibilities include creating and validating cell‑based assays for receptor localization and ligand/virus binding, dissecting entry pathways, and optimizing lentiviral transduction in coordination with cross‑functional teams.

You will be responsible for:
Lead and contribute to research focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of enveloped virus entry.
Design and execute experiments to characterize the interactions between viral glycoproteins and host cell receptors.
Design, develop, and validate robust cell-based assays probing: receptor expression/localization and ligand/virus binding; internalization/endocytosis pathways; functional readouts by flow cytometry, high‑content/fluorescence microscopy, and reporter assays.
Utilize lentiviral vector systems to study the transduction of target cells and to develop novel gene delivery platforms.
Establish scalable, reproducible workflows and SOPs; implement assay performance criteria and QC.
Integrate data with cross-functional partners (protein/vector engineering, analytics, translational, process/CMC) to inform target selection, vector design, and process improvements.
Present research findings at internal and external scientific meetings

Requirements

• PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering or related field (or equivalent industry experience)
• 3-6 years of relevant industry experience with a record of leading scientific projects and/or teams.
• Deep hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture and cell line engineering.
• Proven track record developing and running quantitative cell-based assays for membrane proteins/receptors (e.g., flow cytometry panels, internalization assays, high‑content imaging).
• Practical knowledge of viral entry biology (receptor–ligand interactions; endocytic/internalization mechanisms) and ability to design mechanistic experiments.
• Direct experience with lentiviral vectors and transduction workflows, including assay development and optimization in cell lines and/or primary cells.
• Strong data analysis and scientific communication skills; demonstrated ability to drive decisions with clear, reproducible results.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with pseudovirus or live-virus entry/neutralization assays under BSL2/BSL2+ preferred
• High‑throughput/automated assay development, liquid handling, and/or screening experience a plus
• Record of publications/patents in receptor biology, viral entry, or vector technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to research focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of enveloped virus entry.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize the interactions between viral glycoproteins and host cell receptors.
• Design, develop, and validate robust cell-based assays probing: receptor expression/localization and ligand/virus binding; internalization/endocytosis pathways; functional readouts by flow cytometry, high‑content/fluorescence microscopy, and reporter assays.
• Utilize lentiviral vector systems to study the transduction of target cells and to develop novel gene delivery platforms.
• Establish scalable, reproducible workflows and SOPs; implement assay performance criteria and QC.
• Integrate data with cross-functional partners (protein/vector engineering, analytics, translational, process/CMC) to inform target selection, vector design, and process improvements.
• Present research findings at internal and external scientific meetings

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