Principal Scientist, Vector Biology

About Innovative Medicine 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 Job Description We are searching for the best talent for a Principal Scientist, Vector Biology to be in Cambridge, MA. Purpose We are seeking a Principal Scientist to spearhead receptor and viral‑entry biology initiatives that translate mechanistic insight into therapeutic progress. Responsibilities include creating and validating cell‑based assays for receptor localization and ligand/virus binding, dissecting entry pathways, and optimizing lentiviral transduction in coordination with cross‑functional teams. You will be responsible for: Lead and contribute to research focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of enveloped virus entry. Design and execute experiments to characterize the interactions between viral glycoproteins and host cell receptors. Design, develop, and validate robust cell-based assays probing receptor expression/localization and ligand/virus binding; internalization/endocytosis pathways; functional readouts by flow cytometry, high‑content/fluorescence microscopy, and reporter assays. Utilize lentiviral vector systems to study the transduction of target cells and to develop novel gene delivery platforms. Establish scalable, reproducible workflows and SOPs; implement assay performance criteria and QC. Integrate data with cross‑functional partners (protein/vector engineering, analytics, translational, process/CMC) to inform target selection, vector design, and process improvements. Present research findings at internal and external scientific meetings. Qualifications PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering or related field (or equivalent industry experience). 3‑6 years of relevant industry experience with a record of leading scientific projects and/or teams. Deep hands‑on expertise in mammalian cell culture and cell line engineering. Proven track record developing and running quantitative cell-based assays for membrane proteins/receptors (e.g., flow cytometry panels, internalization assays, high‑content imaging). Practical knowledge of viral entry biology (receptor–ligand interactions; endocytic/internalization mechanisms) and ability to design mechanistic experiments. Direct experience with lentiviral vectors and transduction workflows, including assay development and optimization in cell lines and/or primary cells. Strong data analysis and scientific communication skills; demonstrated ability to drive decisions with clear, reproducible results. Experience with pseudovirus or live-virus entry/neutralization assays under BSL2/BSL2+ (preferred). High‑throughput/automated assay development, liquid handling, and/or screening experience (a plus). Record of publications/patents in receptor biology, viral entry, or vector technologies. Required Skills Big Data Management, Critical Thinking, Data Reporting, Data Savvy, Drug Discovery Development, Molecular Diagnostics, Organizing, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Problem Solving, Product Knowledge, Project Reporting, Project Schedule, Research Proposals, Scientific Research, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Standard Scientific Processes and Procedures, Strategic Thinking, Sustainability Preferred Skills Data Analysis, MATLAB, Workflow Optimization Compensation Anticipated base pay range: $117,000.00 - $201,250.00 Benefits Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year (48 hours if residing in Colorado, 56 hours if residing in 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 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr