Senior Scientist, Chemical Research

Johnson & Johnson•San Diego, CA

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 https://www.jnj.com Job Function: Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development Job Sub Function: Chemical Research Job Category: Scientific/Technology All Job Posting Locations: San Diego, California, United States of America Job Description: 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 Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is recruiting for a Senior Scientist, Chemical Research located in San Diego, CA. At Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicines, what matters most is helping people live full and healthy lives. We focus on treating, curing and preventing some of the most devastating and complex diseases of our time. And we pursue the most promising science, wherever it might be found. RNA Therapeutics and Delivery is embedded in Cell & Genetic Medicines, an organization within Therapeutics Discovery, where we are committed to the development of high-quality drug candidates in the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics space working closely with Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicines Therapeutic Areas (TA) discovery teams. Our mission requires critical thinking, a portfolio approach and deep scientific knowledge and expertise in several fields including oligonucleotide chemistry, bioconjugation chemistry, nanotechnology, cellular and molecular pharmacology and screening technologies coupled with an ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners. This role offers growth opportunity within a dynamic and science driven organization.

Requirements

PhD or equivalent experience in organic/analytical chemistry, chemical biology, or related field with 1 year of industry or academic experience in oligonucleotide drug discovery
Hands-on experience with an emphasis on siRNA and/or ASO nucleic acid therapeutics development.
Experience in siRNA synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization
Experience in siRNA design and chemical modifications
Exposure to the oligonucleotide delivery and drug discovery process
Critical thinking and scientific skills and a demonstrated ability to interpret and clearly communicate data
Strong teammate with the ability to work optimally in a dynamic team environment with diverse views and experiences.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and timelines

Nice To Haves

Experience in operating instruments and equipment including MerMade and Dr. Oligo synthesizers, as well as HPLC, LC-MS, and UV/Vis purification and characterization instrumentation.
Consistent track record of accomplishments in oligonucleotide research in the form of patents, publications and/or presentations at major national meetings.
Knowledge and experience with delivery of oligonucleotides using bioconjugation strategies.
Knowledge of RNA biology and oligonucleotide screening technologies to facilitate effective team collaboration.
Expertise in RNA structure-function studies and molecular modeling as well as characterization of thermodynamic stability of oligonucleotide structures is preferable.

Responsibilities

Independently perform solid phase synthesis, purification, and analysis of oligonucleotides and bioconjugates in a team environment.
Support and trouble-shoot process development efforts for synthesis and characterization of oligonucleotides and their bioconjugates.
In collaboration with the team, support oligonucleotide innovation, optimization and design for de-risked, tissue-specific delivery.
Collect, document and evaluate experimental data and communicate scientific findings as verbal presentations and written reports.

Benefits

medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance
Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k))
Company’s long-term incentive program.
Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
Sick time - 40 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
Condolence Leave – 30 days for an immediate family member: 5 days for an extended family member
Caregiver Leave – 10 days
Volunteer Leave – 4 days
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours