Principal Scientist, Vector Biology

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine in Cambridge, MA seeks a Principal Scientist to lead receptor and viral-entry biology programs, translating mechanistic insights into therapeutics. Responsibilities include creating cell-based assays, studying envelope virus entry, and coordinating with cross-functional teams.

You will develop lentiviral transduction models, optimize assays with flow cytometry and high-content imaging, and present findings at 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.

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 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

Skills

Leadership

Mammalian cell culture

Cell line engineering

Viral entry biology

Lentiviral vectors

Assay development

Flow cytometry

High-content imaging

Data analysis

Scientific communication

BSL2/BSL2+ experience

Education

PhD in Cell Biology or related field

Job description

At Johnson & Johnson,we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build aworld where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured,where treatments are smarter and less invasive, andsolutions 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 jnj.com

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

Job Function:

Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development

Job Sub Function:

Biological Research

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America

Job Description:

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 https://www.jnj.com/innovative-medicine

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.

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.

Required Skills:

Preferred 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

The anticipated base pay range for this position is :

$117,000.00 - $201,250.00

Additional Description for Pay Transparency:

Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).

Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, employees are eligible for the following time off 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 period10 days
• Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
• Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year

For additional general information on Company benefits, please go to: - https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits