Lab Operations Lead – CAR Screening & Lead Selection

Johnson & Johnson Innovation; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson Innovation in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Sr. Scientist, Lab Manager - CAR Screening & Lead Selection to lead the Cambridge lab operations.

You will ensure scientists have space, equipment, materials, processes, and infrastructure to execute studies safely and efficiently. The role collaborates with CAR generation, automation, assay development and vector workflows, coordinating with EHS, facilities, procurement, vendors, and other enabling functions to scale the lab as the team

Qualifications

• BS or MS in biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, immunology, or related field with 4-6 years of experience.
• Hands-on biotech lab experience in a biotech, pharma, or similar research setting.
• Strong mammalian cell culture and molecular biology workflows.
• Experience managing lab equipment, shared resources, or lab operations.
• Ability to coordinate multiple priorities and work across teams.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day coordination of the Cambridge Laboratory environment and be the central point for lab operational needs.
• Partner with scientific teams to ensure space, equipment, consumables, and shared resources are ready for planned work.
• Coordinate lab moves, new equipment installs, and expansion of capabilities as needed.
• Develop and maintain processes for shared lab spaces and equipment.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Oversee equipment installation, qualification, maintenance, and lifecycle planning.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal support teams to minimize downtime.
• Maintain equipment records and systems for tracking shared instruments and capacity.
• Plan for new equipment purchases and lab infrastructure needs.
• Manage common consumables, reagents, and supplies; coordinate ordering and inventory.
• Troubleshoot supply-chain or purchasing issues with scientists and procurement partners.
• Partner with EHS, Biosafety, and site operations; ensure safety compliance.
• Ensure training, documentation, and space usage align with safety requirements.
• Coordinate responses to inspections and corrective actions.
• Coordinate automation management with site IT and cross-site specialists.
• Lead lab onboarding for new members, including access and orientation.
• Promote shared ownership of lab spaces and clear accountability.
• Represent team needs in site planning and translate scientific requirements into operational solutions.
• Coordinate across CGM sub-teams for capacity, space, equipment, and infrastructure needs.

Skills

Lab operations

Biotech lab experience

Mammalian cell culture

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

BS/MS in biology/biotech

Tools

Benchling ELN

Inventory systems

Lab asset-management software

Job description

Johnson & Johnson Innovation in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Sr. Scientist, Lab Manager - CAR Screening & Lead Selection to lead the Cambridge lab operations.

You will ensure scientists have space, equipment, materials, processes, and infrastructure to execute studies safely and efficiently. The role collaborates with CAR generation, automation, assay development and vector workflows, coordinating with EHS, facilities, procurement, vendors, and other enabling functions to scale the lab as the team