Principal Scientist, Discovery-Oncology

6084-Janssen Research & Development Legal Entity•Spring House, PA

8h•Onsite

About The Position

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Oncology Discovery is hiring two experienced individual contributors and subject matter experts to help develop best-in-class therapeutics for prostate cancer. The Principal Scientists will develop robust pharmacology packages for T-cell engagers (TCEs) and small-molecule therapeutics, applying expertise in cancer biology or immunology and mechanisms that trigger strong antitumor responses. The role requires direct experience in small- or large-molecule design and/or combination strategies to overcome the solid tumor microenvironment, as well as knowledge of assays for characterizing optimal T-cell functional performance. The successful candidates will drive innovation in TCE design by identifying enabling technologies through internal or external efforts, and will bring industry program leadership experience and a record of effective project management and cross-functional collaboration. The role involves working with or leading scientists to nominate candidates for discovery portfolio programs; planning, developing, and executing advanced assays to identify promising TCE candidates; and partnering with leaders in other therapeutic areas on binders, molecular configuration, and delivery strategies. The Principal Scientists will promote scientific excellence, innovation, open communication, and collaboration; contribute to intellectual property, presentations, and manuscripts; identify academic partnerships; and mentor junior scientists. The positions are based in Spring House, Pennsylvania. Johnson & Johnson describes an inclusive work environment and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It offers an inclusive interview process and accommodation support for applicants with disabilities.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Cancer Biology and/or Immunology, with at least 6 years of industry experience leading Discovery programs and teams, performing progressively advanced duties at the Principal Scientist level, or equivalent training and experience.
Hands-on experience with TCE or small-molecule therapeutics.
Track record of successfully advancing therapeutic candidates through lead selection and IND-enabling activities.
Drug development knowledge.
Experience in cancer biology or immunology and mechanisms needed to trigger robust antitumor responses.
Direct experience in small- or large-molecule design and/or combination strategies to overcome the solid tumor microenvironment.
Knowledge of assays required to characterize optimal T-cell functional performance.
Prior program leadership experience in industry and a record of excellence in project management and cross-functional collaboration.
Ability to demonstrate matrixed leadership, design and guide complex experiments, accurately interpret data, and communicate impact to stakeholders.
Track record of innovation in drug discovery and ability to integrate diverse subject areas to achieve research objectives.
Experience supporting research collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, and research institutions.
Highly effective verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Work with and/or lead a team of scientists in nominating candidates for discovery portfolio programs.
Plan, develop, and execute state-of-the-art assays to identify optimal TCE candidates and maximize therapeutic potential and durability in solid tumors.
Partner with leaders in other therapeutic areas to select optimal binders, molecular configurations, and delivery strategies.
Foster scientific excellence and innovation while delivering prioritized goals.
Encourage open communication and transparency to eliminate collaboration barriers across workstreams and functions.
Contribute to intellectual property, public presentations, and manuscript writing.
Identify academic partnerships that complement key research initiatives.
Mentor junior scientists and promote their personal and professional development.
Design, guide, and perform complex experiments; interpret data; and communicate impact to stakeholders.
Identify, implement, and master new technologies, models, processes, techniques, and improvements.