Senior Principal Scientist, Neuropsychiatry Discovery
About The Position
The Neuropsychiatry Discovery department at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is recruiting for a Senior Principal Scientist, located in San Diego, CA, USA. Our Neuroscience team tackles the world’s toughest brain health challenges including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, myasthenia gravis, epilepsy, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism. This patient-focused team helps address some of the most complex diseases of our time. Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way. We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative researcher to advance discovery initiatives and pipeline programs supporting the Johnson & Johnson Neuropsychiatry strategy. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and drug development for psychiatric diseases.
Requirements
- PhD with 10+ years of experience in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field is required.
- Drug discovery and development experience, with strong knowledge of neuropharmacology and psychiatric disease biology.
- Broad expertise in molecular and cellular biology, in vitro cell culture systems, and functional assay development.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions and advance project objectives.
- Excellent collaboration, communication, and management skills to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member in an international, matrixed environment.
- Ability to leverage AI-enabled tools to accelerate scientific insights, workflow efficiency, and data-driven decisions.
- Strong sense of urgency, efficiency, flexibility, and accountability in a fast-paced research environment.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a recognized scientific expert, independently leading major portions of complex biological research projects aligned with the Johnson & Johnson Neuropsychiatry strategy.
- Partner cross-functionally to drive biology and biotechnology initiatives from strategy through execution and communication.
- Design, guide, and execute complex biochemical, cellular, molecular, and translational studies; interpret data; and communicate impact, recommendations, and risks.
- Ensure data integrity, documentation, laboratory safety, and compliance.
- Shape departmental scientific strategy by identifying emerging biology and translating insights into actionable project plans.
- Initiate and manage external collaborations with academic, CRO, and biotech partners.
- Engage the scientific community through presentations, publications, and other external contributions.
- Mentor junior colleagues and provide matrix supervision to build technical capability, rigor, and collaboration.
- Integrate Johnson & Johnson’s Credo and Leadership Imperatives into goals, decisions, and daily interactions.
Benefits
- Consolidated retirement plan (pension)
- Savings plan (401(k))
- Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
- Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year (with variations for Colorado and Washington residents)
- 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 period
- Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
- Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
