Principal Scientist, Biologics Optimization (AI-Driven)

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; North Carolina; On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine seeks a Principal Scientist, Biologics Optimization in Spring House, PA to lead optimization across programs, translating biology into engineered antibodies with improved function. You will guide strategy using sequence, structure and developability insights, leveraging AI/ML tools and collaborating with therapeutic area scientists.

The role emphasizes scientific leadership, cross-functional influence, and the translation of ideas into actionable

Qualifications

• MS degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or related field; PhD preferred.
• 3+ years of industry experience in biologics discovery or protein engineering.
• Strong leadership and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Expertise in antibody design, developability, and structure-function relationships.
• Experience applying AI/ML or computational biology to design optimization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for publications and reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead biologics optimization efforts across multiple programs with rational design.
• Serve as SME in function-driven optimization and novel development initiatives.
• Develop strategies integrating sequence, structure, developability and function.
• Lead project teams, manage timelines, and ensure progress on portfolio projects.
• Collaborate with TD/TA to define hypotheses and screening cascades.
• Apply AI/ML and data-driven approaches to guide design and hit selection.
• Present findings to multi-functional teams and draft patents/manuscripts.

Skills

Biologics optimization

Antibody engineering

Protein engineering

AI/ML in biology

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific writing

Communication

Education

MS in Molecular Biology / Biochemistry / Biotechnology

PhD preferred

Tools

Python

Schrödinger

MOE

PyMOL

Chimera

AlphaFold workflows

Job description

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine seeks a Principal Scientist, Biologics Optimization in Spring House, PA to lead optimization across programs, translating biology into engineered antibodies with improved function. You will guide strategy using sequence, structure and developability insights, leveraging AI/ML tools and collaborating with therapeutic area scientists.

The role emphasizes scientific leadership, cross-functional influence, and the translation of ideas into actionable