Senior Scientist, CAR Screening & Lead Selection

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead CAR Screening and Lead Selection within Cell & Genetic Medicines. You will design and execute in vitro assays, analyze data, and collaborate across discovery, process development, and SMEs to drive pipeline progress.

This on-site lab-based role offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment with cutting-edge technologies and opportunities to advance next-generation cell therapies.

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology, bioengineering, cell biology or related field with 2+ years industry/postdoc experience; non-PhDs with 5+ years.
• Experience with multiparameter flow cytometry and data analysis.
• Ability to design and execute complex in vitro studies independently.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to advancing pipeline programs by generating assays and data sets that stratify lead CAR-T candidates.
• Design, perform, and troubleshoot in vitro assays to evaluate phenotype and function of CAR-T candidates.
• Thorough analysis and communication of complex data sets to guide next-step strategies.
• Collaborate with discovery, process development and SMEs to align priorities and share data.
• Contribute to broader team experimental designs and provide guidance to junior members.
• Follow best practice lab operations for safety, data integrity, and reproducibility.
• Maintain clear records of experimental design, data, and analysis using ELN.

Skills

Multiparameter flow cytometry

Data analysis & visualization

In vitro studies design

Project management

Collaboration

Education

PhD in immunology / bioengineering / cell biology

Non-PhD with 5+ years biotech cell therapy experience

Tools

IncuCyte

Benchling

ELN systems

GraphPad Prism

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.

Job Function:

Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development

Job Sub Function:

Biotherapeutics R&D

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America

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.

We are searching for the best Senior Scientist, CAR Screening and Lead Selection (CSLS), Cell & Genetic Medicines, based in Cambridge, MA.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Scientist to join our CAR Screening and Lead Selection team focused on advancing next-generation cell therapies. The Senior Scientist will design, execute, and analyze in vitro assays to characterize and select CAR-T candidates, supporting data-driven decisions that drive pipeline progression across modalities. This role offers the opportunity to work cross-functionally in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with cutting-edge technologies.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong scientific curiosity and a passion for discovery, brings technical expertise across diverse in vitro assays, and is motivated to apply rigorous experimental approaches toward the development of meaningful therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to advancing pipeline programs by generating assays and data sets that stratify lead CAR-T candidates.
• Design, perform, and troubleshoot in vitro assays to evaluate the phenotype and function of CAR-T cell candidates, including cell-based cytotoxicity assays.
• Thorough analysis and communication of complex data sets, applying results towards determining next-step strategies and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in discovery, process development, and therapeutic area SMEs to align priorities and share data.
• Contribute to broader team experimental designs, scientific strategy discussions and provide guidance and support to junior team members.
• Follow best practice lab operations for safety, data integrity, and reproducibility.
• Maintain clear and accurate records of experimental design, data, and analysis using electronic lab notebook (ELN).

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in immunology, bioengineering, cell biology, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience; non-PhDs with 5+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical or biotech working in cell therapy.
• Hands‑on experience and expertise with multiparameter flow cytometry (traditional and/or spectral), including panel design, sample preparation, acquisition, and data analysis.
• Independent expertise in data analysis and visual representations using GraphPad Prism, Spotfire or similar software.
• Ability to independently design and execute complex in vitro studies with limited guidance.
• Self‑motivated, highly organized, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced discovery environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to independently drive projects while working collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with primary human T cell culture, expansion, and genetic engineering (viral transduction and/or non-viral gene editing).
• Proficiency in IncuCyte-based assays or comparable real‑time cytotoxicity platforms.
• Experience with intracellular cytokine staining and cytokine arrays, such as MSD or comparable.
• Demonstrated expertise using ELN systems for experimental documentation, experience with Benchling is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Work Environment:

This is an on‑site lab‑based role; candidates must be comfortable with extensive bench work and collaborative team science.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a transformative journey in developing life‑saving therapies. Work in a collaborative, innovation‑driven environment. Opportunities for growth and professional development.

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.

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