Senior Scientist, Chemical Research

Johnson & Johnson • San Diego, CA

96d • $105,000 - $169,050

About The Position

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.

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.
• Consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees