Description

Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., a division of Johnson & Johnson's Family of Companies is recruiting for a Principal Scientist, iPSC-based CAR-T Cell Platforms Characterization Lead located in Malvern, PA.

At the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, we are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. We are Janssen. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Learn more at www.janssen.com and follow us @JanssenGlobal. Janssen Research & Development, LLC is part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies.

The Biotherapeutics Development - Analytical Development (BioTD - AD) group is seeking an energetic, highly motivated leader to characterize next-generation, iPSC-based CAR-T cell platforms for allogeneic cell therapies. The Principal Scientist will establish the technical strategies for generating engineered iPSC-derived g/d T-cell therapies for oncology and other indications.

The Principal Scientist will shape the strategies required for in depth process and product understanding and provide technical and strategic leadership to the function and to the Chemical Manufacturing Control (CMC) teams. A successful candidate will have a strong foundation in human T cell and stem cell biology. Experience with the design, execution and optimization of a broad range of in vitro cell based characterization assays and will have the opportunity to engage in multi-functional teams. They will learn from and contribute to industry-leading drug discovery/development programs that has brought numerous quality therapeutics to patients and has made significant contributions to human health

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop characterization strategies and implement plans to characterize iPSCs, cell and gene engineering, and cell differentiation, in particular gamma/delta T cells, NK cells or related cell types.
• Lead a team of scientists developing and optimizing analysis methods that fully characterize human iPSCs and iPSC-derived cells using multi-parameter flow cytometry and in vitro assays for cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, polyfunctionality and target cell killing.
• Lead technical forums both internal and external to the company to share knowledge and approaches related to cellular characterization strategies as they relate to cell-based therapies (CAR-T, CAR-NK, etc).
• Engage and/or lead technical investigation strategies in support of product investigations with respect to clinical outcomes or adverse events driving to root cause.
• Develop innovative ways to challenging solutions.
• Identify/collaborate with partners in academia or industry to complete innovation ideas or characterization approaches.
• Effectively communicate scientific data and results across technical teams, project teams and to the health authority as needed.

Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in Cell Biology, Immunology, Biological Science or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of experience or
• M.S. degree with a minimum of 8 years of experience in an academic or industry setting with a focus in the field of human iPSC Biology.

Experience and Skills:

Required:

• Proven experience in NK/T cell biology, function and iPSC-NK/T cell differentiation is required.
• Human iPSC subject matter expert able to apply skills, theoretical knowledge, and experience to provide scientific direction and approach to projects and challenges is required.
• Expertise with primary T-cell and pluripotent SC culture, viral and non-viral gene delivery methods and cellular based assays is required.
• Experience with in vitro technologies to assess lymphocyte functionality including but not limited to multi-parameter flow cytometry, MSD, Luminex, xCELLigence and IncuCyte-based assays, for phenotypic characterization of T/NK cells, T/NK cell activation, cytotoxicity and proliferation assays is required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
• Ability to independently design, complete and troubleshoot experiments, analyze, report and present data is required.
• Capacity to work collaboratively in a complex matrixed environment is required.
• Must be detailed, highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks, handle tight timelines and deliver quality data.

Preferred:

• Understanding of the connections between clinical, process/product development, and biological outcomes is preferred.
• Experience with the development and registration of cell therapies is a plus.
• Awareness of GMP requirements is desired.
• Ability to make timely decisions and operate effectively in times of ambiguity is preferred.
• Strong analytical problem solving, planning and organizational skills are desired.
• People leadership experience, working in a matrix team or direct line setting, is a plus.

Johnson & Johnson is an Affirmative Action and 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, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

For more information on how we support the whole health of our employees throughout their wellness, career and life journey, please visit www.careers.jnj.com.