Sr. Principal Scientist/Sr. Manager, Cell Therapy Vector Biology

Johnson & Johnson • Spring House, PA

399d

About The Position

The Senior Principal Scientist / Senior Manager, Cell Therapy Vector Biology position at Johnson & Johnson focuses on developing novel Cell & Gene Therapies for unmet medical needs, particularly through the use of engineered lentiviral vectors for gene delivery to T cells in cancer treatment. The role involves leading a team in vector engineering efforts and contributing to scientific discovery in the Cell Therapy Platform & Discovery group.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Virology, Gene Therapy, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field with 2+ years of experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry; OR BS or MS with 8+ years of related experience is required.
• Expertise in LVV engineering and viral vector analytical methods is required.
• Expertise in molecular biology, including plasmid cloning, scale-up, sequencing, and QC, is required.
• Experience managing people is required and experience managing small teams responsible for supporting multiple project teams is preferred.
• Strong critical, scientific, and strategic thinking skills are required.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects in parallel and meet timelines, are required.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with high throughput automation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Cell Therapy Vector Biology team, including vector biology, analytics, and plasmid & vector core.
• Design/implement novel LVV pseudotyping screens to engineer cell-specific gene delivery vectors.
• Design/implement analytical assays to characterize viral vectors.
• Stay ahead of the viral vector engineering field by exploring new technologies, including high-throughput platforms and concepts.
• Execute research timelines to meet program and corporate objectives and deliver quality data.
• Oversee plasmid and viral generation (lentivirus and retrovirus) to deliver high quality vectors supporting multiple cell therapy programs in a timely manner.
• Contribute to a collaborative, creative, and rigorous culture of scientific discovery.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan and savings plan participation.
• Annual performance bonus based on individual and corporate performance.
• Vacation - up to 120 hours per calendar year.
• Sick time - up to 40 hours per calendar year; for employees in Washington - up to 56 hours per calendar year.
• Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays - up to 13 days per calendar year.
• Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree