Sr. Principal Scientist Oncology Translational Research, Prostate

Johnson & Johnson•San Diego, PA

20h

About The Position

Johnson & Johnson is seeking a highly motivated Senior Principal Scientist/Associate Director in its Translational Research organization to lead biomarker and translational science efforts across prostate cancer drug development programs, from pre-NME through late clinical development. The role drives the design, implementation, and interpretation of biomarker strategies for early- and late-stage clinical trials, including registrational and exploratory studies. It integrates translational science with clinical development so biomarker data informs patient selection, pharmacodynamic assessment, and mechanisms of response and resistance. The position works closely with clinical development, biostatistics, diagnostics, regulatory, discovery research, and external academic collaborators to turn biological insights into actionable clinical strategies. The role leads integrated translational research and biomarker strategies, including biomarker plans aligned with therapeutic mechanisms of action and clinical objectives. It guides biomarker selection across genomic, transcriptomic, circulating, tissue-based, immunologic, spatial, digital pathology, and computational approaches, and manages in vitro experiments to investigate combination strategies and response or resistance patterns. It integrates biomarker hypotheses and sample collection and analysis strategies into Phase I–III trials, supports implementation with clinical operations and laboratory partners, and ensures analyses inform development decisions. The scientist represents Translational Research in cross-functional governance and program teams; coordinates biomarker work across internal laboratories, CROs, and external collaborators; and ensures assays are fit-for-purpose and analytically robust for clinical use. The role also evaluates external research proposals, partners with academic investigators and technology providers, and identifies emerging technologies relevant to prostate cancer translational biology. It leads multidisciplinary interpretation of translational datasets and communicates findings to governance committees, cross-functional teams, scientific conferences, and through peer-reviewed publications and presentations, following applicable oversight and best-practice processes.

Requirements

PhD in biomedical sciences, such as pharmacology, immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline.
Postdoctoral training in a relevant biomedical field.
At least 3 years of biopharmaceutical drug development experience after postdoctoral training.
Experience designing and implementing biomarker strategies in clinical trials.
Strong background in translational oncology and biomarker science.
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in matrixed, cross-functional teams.
Excellent scientific communication, writing, and presentation skills.
Strong organizational and project management capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in prostate cancer biology and therapeutic development.
Experience with PROTACs, RIPTACs, and other novel cell-modulating therapies.
Expertise in immunology, tumor microenvironment biology, or precision oncology.
Experience with circulating biomarkers such as ctDNA or CTCs.
Familiarity with tissue-based biomarkers, spatial biology, or digital pathology.
Experience supporting registrational clinical trials.

Responsibilities

Lead development and execution of integrated translational research and biomarker strategies for prostate cancer drug development programs.
Design biomarker plans aligned with therapeutic mechanism of action and clinical development objectives, addressing pharmacodynamics, target engagement, response, safety, resistance, patient stratification, and enrichment.
Guide biomarker selection and prioritization across genomic and transcriptomic, circulating, tissue-based, spatial, immunologic, tumor microenvironment, digital pathology, and computational approaches.
Design and manage in vitro experiments to investigate novel combination strategies and patterns of response and resistance with other pipeline assets.
Partner with clinical development teams to integrate biomarker hypotheses into trial protocols, biomarker analysis plans, and statistical analysis frameworks.
Design biomarker sample collection and analysis strategies for Phase I–III clinical trials and ensure analyses support key program decisions.
Collaborate with clinical operations and laboratory partners to implement biomarker activities effectively.
Represent Translational Research in cross-functional governance discussions and program team meetings.
Coordinate biomarker activities across internal laboratories, CRO partners, and external collaborators.
Ensure biomarker assays are fit-for-purpose and analytically robust for clinical trial use.
Support documentation of biomarker strategies for regulatory interactions and submissions.
Evaluate and prioritize external translational research proposals and collaborations aligned with program strategy.
Partner with academic investigators and technology providers to advance biomarker discovery and validation.
Identify emerging technologies and scientific approaches relevant to prostate cancer translational biology.
Translate complex data into actionable insights for clinical development strategy.
Lead multidisciplinary interpretation of translational datasets integrating clinical outcomes, genomic and molecular data, pathology, tissue-based biomarkers, and circulating biomarker data.
Prepare and present translational and biomarker findings to internal governance committees and cross-functional teams.
Represent the company at major scientific conferences with key opinion leaders and cross-functional team members.
Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations while adhering to best-practice and oversight processes.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Business accident insurance and group legal insurance.
Consolidated retirement plan (pension) and 401(k) savings plan.
Eligibility for the long-term incentive program.
Vacation: 120 hours per calendar year.
Sick time: 40 hours per calendar year; 56 hours per calendar year for employees residing in Washington State.
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 a child’s birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
Bereavement leave: 240 hours for an immediate family member and 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.