Principal Scientist, Vector Biology

6084-Janssen Research & Development, LLC Legal Entity; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time 120 hours/year

Sick time 40 hours/year

Holiday pay 13 days/year

Parental Leave 480 hours/year

Bereavement Leave 240 hours/year

Volunteer Leave 32 hours/year

Military Spouse Time‑Off 80 hours/year

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson in Cambridge, MA seeks a Principal Scientist, Vector Biology to lead research on the cellular and molecular entry mechanisms of enveloped viruses. You will design experiments to map interactions between viral proteins and host receptors and develop robust assays using flow cytometry, high-content imaging, and reporter readouts.

The role requires a PhD with 3–6 years of industry experience, expertise in mammalian cell culture, viral entry biology, and lentiviral vector

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to research focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of enveloped virus entry.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize 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 imaging, and reporter assays.
• Utilize lentiviral vector systems to study transduction of target cells and to develop novel gene delivery platforms.
• Establish scalable, reproducible workflows and SOPs; implement assay performance criteria and quality control.
• Integrate data with cross-functional partners to inform target selection, vector design, and process improvements.
• Present research findings at internal and external scientific meetings.

Skills

Cell culture

Cell-based assays

Viral entry biology

Lentiviral vectors

Data analysis

Scientific communication

BSL2/BSL2+ assays

Publications

High-throughput screening

Education

PhD in life sciences

Job description

Principal Scientist, Vector Biology

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America.

Job Function: Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development.

Job Sub‑Function: Biological Research.

Job Category: Scientific/Technology.

Responsibilities

• 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 quality control.
• 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.

Benefits

• Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year.
• Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado – 48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington – 56 hours per calendar year.
• 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.

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. Johnson and Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please email the Employee Health Support Center ([e-mail]) or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.