Senior Manager, Vector Biology

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine•Cambridge, MA

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 jnj.com As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit. 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 a Senior Manager, Vector Biology to be in Cambridge, MA. Purpose: We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager to oversee a multidisciplinary team responsible for advancing viral vector biology, vector design improvements, assay development, and optimization of lentiviral vectors for in vivo cell targeting. In this role, you will provide technical leadership and strategic direction to drive the team's research and development efforts, with a focus on enhancing cell-specific transduction capabilities.

Requirements

Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in molecular biology, virology, bioengineering, or a related field with 6-8+ years of relevant industry experience in cell and gene therapy, with a strong background in viral vector development
Deep expertise in lentiviral vector biology, design, and optimization for in vivo applications, including strong knowledge of cell biology principles to enable efficient cell targeting
Extensive experience developing and validating assays to characterize vector tropism, cell binding, internalization, and transduction efficiency
Demonstrated track record of leveraging cell biology insights to engineer improved cell-targeting capabilities of viral vectors
Thorough understanding of cell surface receptor biology, cell signaling pathways, and intracellular trafficking mechanisms to inform vector design and optimization
Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering tangible R&D outcomes
Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills
Ability to translate complex scientific concepts, including cell biology, into actionable strategies
Strong collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively cross-functionally

Nice To Haves

Big Data Management
Data Reporting
Data Savvy
Developing Others
Drug Discovery Development
Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
Inclusive Leadership
Industry Analysis
Leadership
Molecular Diagnostics
Operational Excellence
Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Product Knowledge
Project Reporting
Scientific Research
Strategic Thinking
Sustainability
Team Management

Responsibilities

Manage a team of scientists and engineers focused on viral vector biology, vector design, and assay development
Oversee the team's work to improve lentiviral vector design and performance for in vivo cell targeting, including:
Identifying optimal target molecules and cell surface receptors for efficient vector binding and entry
Leveraging expertise in cell biology to understand and enhance vector-cell interactions for improved cell type-specific transduction
Designing and validating assays to characterize vector tropism, cell binding, internalization, and transduction efficiency
Develop and implement strategies to optimize lentiviral vectors for specific cell type transduction
Ensure the team designs and validates robust assays to test key assumptions about vector biology, cell targeting, and overall performance
Collaborate cross-functionally with other R&D teams to integrate vector innovations into cell and gene therapy programs
Provide technical leadership and strategic direction to drive the team's research and development efforts
Manage budgets, timelines, and resources to deliver on team objectives
Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and strong scientific rigor

Benefits

Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, employees are eligible for the following time off 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
For additional general information on Company benefits, please go to: - https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits