Scientist, Upstream Process Development

6084-Janssen Research & Development, LLC Legal Entity; Spring House (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson is seeking a Scientist, Upstream Process Development in Spring House, PA, to advance scalable cell culture processes for in vivo programs. The role emphasizes bioreactor work, media optimization, and data-driven process understanding for next-generation biologics and genetic medicines.

The position requires 2–4+ years in upstream development, hands-on bioreactor experience, and strong data analysis skills. Collaboration across teams and clear technical reporting are essential.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field.
• 2–4+ years of relevant experience in upstream process development for biologics or viral vectors.
• Hands-on bioreactor operation, media optimization, process monitoring, and scale-up support.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute upstream process development studies for lentiviral in vivo therapeutic products under scientific guidance.
• Perform cell culture experiments using shake flasks, bench-scale bioreactors, and automated high-throughput systems.
• Support development of scalable fed-batch and perfusion processes to improve productivity, quality, and manufacturability.
• Utilize Ambr 250 bioreactor systems for process development, media optimization, and scale-down model studies.
• Apply statistical experimental design, data analytics, and visualization tools to support process understanding and decision-making.
• Build working knowledge of Process Analytical Technology, Raman spectroscopy, online monitoring, and digital bioprocessing tools.
• Analyze and interpret process data using JMP, MiniTab, Python, Spotfire, or similar platforms.
• Collaborate with downstream, analytical, automation, modeling, and formulation teams to align study design and deliverables.
• Author technical reports, development summaries, protocols, and regulatory-supporting documentation.

Skills

Analytical reasoning

Biochemistry

Chemistry

CMC

Education

BS/MS in chemical/biochemical engineering or related field

Tools

Ambr 250

JMP

MiniTab

Python

Spotfire

Job description

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 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.

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 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.

We are searching for the best talent for a Scientist, Upstream Process Development to be in Spring House, PA.

Purpose:

The Scientist, Upstream Process Development will support development, optimization, and characterization of scalable cell culture processes for in vivo therapeutic programs. This role will contribute to early- through clinical-stage process development, with emphasis on bioreactor execution, media and process optimization, scale-down model generation, and data-driven process understanding for next-generation biologics and genetic medicines.

You will be responsible for:

• Design and execute upstream process development studies for lentiviral in vivo therapeutic products under scientific guidance.
• Perform cell culture experiments using shake flasks, bench-scale bioreactors, and automated high-throughput systems.
• Support development of scalable fed-batch and perfusion processes to improve productivity, quality, and manufacturability.
• Utilize Ambr® 250 bioreactor systems for process development, media optimization, and scale-down model studies.
• Apply statistical experimental design, data analytics, and visualization tools to support process understanding and decision-making.
• Build working knowledge of Process Analytical Technology, Raman spectroscopy, online monitoring, and digital bioprocessing tools.
• Analyze and interpret process data using JMP, MiniTab, Python, Spotfire, or similar platforms.
• Support evaluation of novel upstream technologies that improve process robustness and development efficiency.
• Collaborate with downstream, analytical, automation, modeling, and formulation teams to align study design and deliverables.
• Author technical reports, development summaries, protocols, and regulatory-supporting documentation.

Qualifications:

• BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with 2-4+ years of relevant experience
• Experience in mammalian cell culture process development for biologics, cell and gene therapy, RNA therapeutics, or related viral vector modalities.
• Hands-on experience with bioreactor operation, media optimization, process monitoring, and process scale-up support.
• Experience with Ambr® 250 high-throughput bioreactor systems.
• Strong data analysis, experimental design, and technical documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills: Analytical Reasoning, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC), Coaching, Collaboration, Conducting Experiments, Data Quality, Drug Discovery Development, Molecular Diagnostics, Patent Applications, Pharmacogenetics, Report Writing, Research Documents, Scientific Research, Technologically Savvy, Written Expression 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.jnj.com/.

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 & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs.

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