Senior Principal Scientist Pharmacology

Johnson & Johnson•Spring House, PA

About The Position

The Senior Principal Scientist & SIS Scientific Lead is a senior scientific role within Scientific & In Vivo Strategies (SIS), responsible for identifying and enabling 3Rs innovation opportunities—including new approach methodologies (NAMs)—in the discovery and preclinical portfolio. The role operates within the enterprise 3Rs framework and aligns with Discovery, Product Development & Supply (DPDS), Preclinical Safety and Translational Sciences (PSTS), and SIS strategic priorities. It brings deep expertise in NAMs, such as refined in vivo and ex vivo methods, complex in vitro models (CIVMs), microphysiological systems (MPS), organoids, and/or in silico approaches, to strengthen discovery and preclinical assessment, improve preclinical-to-clinical translatability, and advance 3Rs objectives. The position serves as a NAMs subject-matter expert for SIS, DPDS, and Therapeutic Area stakeholders. It identifies and evaluates internal and external NAM opportunities using portfolio-relevant, translational, and regulatory-aligned perspectives. The role may require domestic and international travel of up to 10%, may include other duties, and may matrix-manage team members.

Requirements

Ph.D. in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, toxicology, systems biology, or a related discipline, with a concentration in Oncology.
At least 5 years of postdoctoral experience; preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotech setting focused on NAM-related platform development, such as CIVM/MPS, within oncology R&D.
Understanding of pharmaceutical R&D governance frameworks.
Oncology therapeutic-area expertise or experience.
Demonstrated expertise integrating models across the NAMs landscape, such as ex vivo, in vitro/CIVM/MPS, in chemico, and/or in silico approaches, to enable advanced physiological and pathophysiological relevance at scale.
Demonstrated expertise applying human-relevant models in drug discovery and/or preclinical research.
Track record of scientific innovation or publication in a NAMs-relevant field.
Ability to critically assess emerging technologies and platforms in the context of pharmaceutical R&D needs and the external global regulatory landscape, and communicate implications clearly to stakeholders.
Expertise in basic pharmacology concepts and experience with relevant data-analysis best practices and software/tools.
Demonstrated leadership in drafting scientific publications, internal reports, and/or technical presentations.
People and research project management experience.
Proven effectiveness working with cross-functional scientific and data science stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment.
Experience interfacing with external technology developers and/or academic collaborators.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing and implementing organizational change.
General awareness of nonclinical safety and drug development concepts.
Familiarity with global regulatory agency considerations relevant to NAM acceptance.

Responsibilities

Engage with SIS Scientific Leads and stakeholders to identify and evaluate ex vivo, in vitro, and in silico NAM opportunities relevant to discovery and development programs, partnering with data science colleagues for in silico work.
Provide subject-matter expert guidance on the applicability, strengths, limitations, and readiness of NAMs for specific diseases, modalities, and contexts of use.
Drive relevant incorporation of NAMs into program strategies, aligned with portfolio goals, scientific rigor, and the enterprise 3Rs innovation framework.
Maintain awareness of the external NAMs landscape, including academic advances, emerging platforms, and biotech innovations.
Evaluate external NAM developments for scientific maturity, translational relevance, and evolving global regulatory perspectives, including FDA, EMA, and ICH considerations.
Translate external and regulatory signals into balanced scientific insights on current NAM integration opportunities and anticipated future developments.
Work with SIS Scientific Leads and internal functional and therapeutic-area teams to assess existing NAM capabilities and gaps against portfolio needs and regulatory expectations.
Inform prioritization of NAM development, evaluation, and validation efforts based on scientific value, feasibility, and anticipated regulatory acceptance.
Support development of internal guidance for consistent and confident application of NAMs.
Act as a scientific thought partner to project teams, encouraging consideration of 3Rs innovation and NAM-enabled approaches.
Contribute to internal scientific reviews, forums, and working groups focused on 3Rs and NAMs innovation.
Support external scientific publications and presentations, as well as internal communications that strengthen understanding and credibility of NAM-based strategies.
May perform other duties and matrix-manage team members as assigned.
May travel domestically and internationally, up to 10%.