Senior Scientist, Vector Biology

Senior Scientist, Vector Biology – Cambridge, MA Purpose: Join J&J’s CAR‑T cell therapy discovery efforts as a senior scientist, leveraging expertise in viral vectors and molecular biology. Responsibilities Design, modify, optimize, and screen viral envelopes/proteins for targeted cell delivery. Apply virology, molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry methods to develop rigorous experimental workflows for optimizing design outcomes. Support the development of innovative vector analytical and characterization assays. Optimize viral titer, potency, and purity to enhance production efficiency. Apply expertise in vector design and tropism engineering to enhance delivery to specific cell types. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to test designs, ensuring reliable and consistent data. Present data to research and cross‑functional teams. Stay informed about industry developments and continuously learn in a fast‑paced team environment. Deliver results within project timelines and maintain accountability. Ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) protocols. Qualifications Ph.D. in a relevant field (Pharmaceutical Science, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, etc.) with 1–2 years of relevant experience OR a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree with extensive experience. Significant hands‑on experience in enveloped viruses and viral vector engineering, including production and characterization. Strong experience engineering, testing, and optimizing pseudotyped lentiviral vectors (strongly preferred). Strong knowledge of molecular and cell biology techniques, including cell culture, flow cytometry, qPCR, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and ELISA. Experience with high‑throughput assays, techniques, and workflows preferred. Highly organized and meticulous; capable of handling multiple projects autonomously. Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving skills for creative, innovative solutions. Strong collaboration skills and ability to operate effectively within a team. Experience maintaining accurate, detailed records in an electronic lab notebook for reproducibility. Excellent presentation, verbal communication, and scientific/technical writing skills. Required Skills Accelerating Analytical Reasoning Clinical Data Management Critical Thinking Data Analysis Data Reporting Data Savvy Design of Experiments (DOE) Drug Discovery Development Issue Escalation Molecular Diagnostics Pharmaceutical Microbiology Product Knowledge Research Proposals Scientific Research Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Technologically Savvy Preferred Skills Accelerating Analytical Reasoning Clinical Data Management Critical Thinking Data Analysis Data Reporting Data Savvy Design of Experiments (DOE) Drug Discovery Development Issue Escalation Molecular Diagnostics Pharmaceutical Microbiology Product Knowledge Research Proposals Scientific Research Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Technologically Savvy Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Salary and Benefits Anticipated base pay range: $109,000.00 – $174,800.00. Vacation: 120 hours per calendar year Sick time: 40 hours per calendar year (48 hours for Colorado, 56 hours for Washington) 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 Bereavement Leave: 240 hours for an immediate family member; 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 For additional general benefit information, please see #J-18808-Ljbffr 6084-Janssen Research & Development, LLC Legal Entity