PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST, GENE THERAPY INNOVATION

Janssen Research & Development, L.
.
., a division of Johnson & Johnson's Family of Companies is recruiting for a Principal Scientist, Gene Therapy Innovation to be located in La Jolla, CA.
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything.
Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal.
Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.
Learn more at  https://www.
nj.
om/.
  The Principal Scientist, Gene Therapy Innovation position in the RNA, Gene Therapy and Delivery Group (RGTD) offers an exciting opportunity to help develop novel Gene Therapies for unmet medical needs.
We are investigating the use of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors to deliver novel genetic therapies to patients for disease prevention and treatment, spanning multiple disease areas including ophthalmological, neurological, cardiovascular, and many others.  We are seeking a highly driven, experienced researcher to tackle challenges associated with how our therapeutic gene therapy molecules interface with novel platforms and new technologies.  This individual will lead all discovery-level innovation (from optimization to troubleshooting) for developing AAV therapeutics.  This role would support advanced analytical methods of characterization as well as overcoming challenges that emerge as we begin to develop next generation molecules in the context of new USP/DSP technologies and novel analytical methods of characterization.
 While the field remains in its frontier phase, development of first-in-class gene therapy molecules is essential to remain competitive.  This is a critical, lab-facing role.
the ideal candidate will have a proven track record of resolving challenges related to AAV development and manufacturing, as well as broad hands-on expertise in AAV production and advanced analytical methods.  This role will provide essential support for AAV discovery and early development activities across the greater R&D organization.   Primary responsibilities.
Resolve challenge associated with how AAV gene therapy molecules interface with novel platforms and technologies introduced into our drug development process.
Evaluate and implement process optimizations across the entire vector production process Characterize AAV using advanced analytical methods for assessing packaging efficiency, heterogeneity, genomic integrity, and infectivity, as well as evaluating serotype-specific capsid properties Evaluate and implement analytical method optimization ·         Stays ahead of the gene therapy field by exploring and evaluating new processes and methodologies to ensure we remain on the leading edge of innovation Execute research timelines to meet program and corporate objectives Contribute to a collaborative, creative, and rigorous culture of scientific discovery ·         Provide rapid and versatile problem-solving support for the gene therapy group ·         Report to the Director of AAV GT Discovery Emerging Platforms  Qualifications Required.
·         A Ph.
.
in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Gene Therapy or related field with at least 6 or more years of experience in either the pharmaceutical industry or academic settings.  Alternatively, applicants with an M.
.
along with a M.
c in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology (or gene therapy-related field) may be considered if they have 8+ years of gene therapy-related experience in the pharmaceutical industry ·         Proven track record of successfully resolving a broad array of process and platform interface challenges associated with AAV therapeutic development ·         Hands-on experience in helper virus-mediated AAV manufacturing platforms (e.
.
Adenovirus-, HSV-, and/or Baculovirus-based AAV manufacturing) (4+ years ideal) ·         Expertise in viral vector production (8+ years ideal) ·         Expertise of viral vector analytical methods (8+ years ideal) ·         Strong critical, scientific, and strategic thinking skills for working independently with minimal supervision ·         Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams Other.
·         English Language is required.
·         A full-time onsite presence will be required as this role will be primarily lab-based (entailing at least 60% of total effort).  ·         This role will also entail intermittent travel for the purpose of visiting other Johnson & Johnson sites of operation, attending conferences or meetings, or the undertake trainings when needed.
The anticipated base pay range for this position is $ to $.
  The Company maintains highly competitive, performance-based compensation programs.
Under current guidelines, this position is eligible for an annual performance bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan.
The annual performance bonus is a cash bonus intended to provide an incentive to achieve annual targeted results by rewarding for individual and the corporation’s performance over a calendar/performance year.
Bonuses are awarded at the Company’s discretion on an individual basis.
  Employees and/or eligible dependents may be eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs.
medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance.
Employees may be eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k).
  Employees are eligible for the following time off benefits.
Vacation – up to 120 hours per calendar year.
Sick time - up to 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of 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.
  Additional information can be found through the link below.
  For additional general information on Company benefits, please go to:  https://www.
areers.
nj.
om/employee-benefits.
  This job posting is anticipated to close on .
The Company may however extend this time-period, in which case the posting will remain available on  https://www.
areers.
nj.
om  to accept additional applications.    Johnson & Johnson is an Affirmative Action and 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, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
  For more information on how we support the whole health of our employees throughout their wellness, career and life journey, please visit  www.
areers.
nj.
om.