Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine
Principal Scientist, Protein Optimization
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
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).
Purpose The Protein Engineering and In Vitro Discovery Team within Biologics Discovery is responsible for the design of lead biologic candidates across multiple therapeutic modalities. In this position, the Principal Scientist will be an integral member of the Protein Optimization Engineering team that works on the cutting edge of protein science and technologies to deliver fit‑for‑purpose optimized protein sequences supporting the therapeutic pipeline. The role focuses on protein design and optimization with a strong focus on affinity, developability and other critical attributes using display technologies, structure and modeling‑based design and other emerging computational or AI/ML methods. This Scientist will develop and implement novel display‑based binder selection/engineering/screening methods for rapid and validated selection of optimized antibody/protein variants, and will collaborate with other functional groups and therapeutic area scientists.
Responsibilities
Support protein optimization engineering efforts across the modality‑agnostic Therapeutics Discovery organization and act as a point of accountability for engineering asks, managing project timelines independently.
Develop and champion novel display‑based platform development efforts aimed at fulfilling strategic long‑term antibody design/optimization initiatives and validation.
Lead or participate on project teams to advance discovery portfolio projects.
Present and defend scientific findings independently in multi‑functional project teams / initiatives.
Plan, analyze and interpret experimental results; draft patent applications, manuscripts, protocols, SOPs, technical reports, etc.
Qualifications
Education: Minimum of an MS in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Structural Biology or related field; PhD highly preferred.
Required Skills & Experience
Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in therapeutic development and a “drug‑hunting” mindset for large‑molecule therapeutics.
In‑depth knowledge and experience with yeast or mammalian display, including molecular biology/library preparation and hands‑on experience with cell‑based (FACS Aria/iQue) screening systems.
Hands‑on experience in molecular biology, expression vector design, primer design and NGS technology.
Knowledge of antibody sequence analysis, V‑region features including framework/ CDR delineation, liability assessment, germline analysis; understanding of Fc sequence space preferred.
Understanding of biophysical and biochemical methods for protein analysis (ELISA, SPR, flow cytometry, thermal stability).
Creative problem‑solving, risk‑taking, and ability to lead by influence and communicate across multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent written and oral communication; peer‑reviewed publications preferred.
Preferred Skills & Experience
Master’s with 6 years of industry experience or PhD with 3 years of industry experience.
Expertise in scientific computing (e.g., Python) and in silico protein structure and sequence modeling using AI/ML methods.
Expertise in protein structure modeling and analysis (Schrödinger, MOE, PyMol, Chimera).
Understanding of antibody and cytokine structure/function, including modulation of target binding and Fc‑based effector function.
Experience with bispecific or multispecific antibody or other complex therapeutic modalities.
Proficiency in protein expression/purification from mammalian systems.
Experience in high‑throughput binding assays (ELISA, SPR, MSD) or high‑throughput biophysical techniques for screening antibody variants.
Compensation & Benefits Expected pay range: $117,000 to $201,250. The position is eligible for an annual performance bonus and a long‑term incentive program. Eligible employees and/or dependents may participate in company‑sponsored health, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, business accident insurance and group legal insurance. Employees may also participate in the consolidated retirement plan (401(k)) and receive the following time‑off benefits:
Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year (48 hours for Colorado residents, 56 hours for Washington residents)
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 birth/adoption/foster care
Bereavement leave – 240 hours for immediate family member; 40 hours for 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
For additional general information on company benefits, see (https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits).
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 any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
This job posting is anticipated to close on December 13, 2025.
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Purpose The Protein Engineering and In Vitro Discovery Team within Biologics Discovery is responsible for the design of lead biologic candidates across multiple therapeutic modalities. In this position, the Principal Scientist will be an integral member of the Protein Optimization Engineering team that works on the cutting edge of protein science and technologies to deliver fit‑for‑purpose optimized protein sequences supporting the therapeutic pipeline. The role focuses on protein design and optimization with a strong focus on affinity, developability and other critical attributes using display technologies, structure and modeling‑based design and other emerging computational or AI/ML methods. This Scientist will develop and implement novel display‑based binder selection/engineering/screening methods for rapid and validated selection of optimized antibody/protein variants, and will collaborate with other functional groups and therapeutic area scientists.
Responsibilities
Support protein optimization engineering efforts across the modality‑agnostic Therapeutics Discovery organization and act as a point of accountability for engineering asks, managing project timelines independently.
Develop and champion novel display‑based platform development efforts aimed at fulfilling strategic long‑term antibody design/optimization initiatives and validation.
Lead or participate on project teams to advance discovery portfolio projects.
Present and defend scientific findings independently in multi‑functional project teams / initiatives.
Plan, analyze and interpret experimental results; draft patent applications, manuscripts, protocols, SOPs, technical reports, etc.
Qualifications
Education: Minimum of an MS in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Structural Biology or related field; PhD highly preferred.
Required Skills & Experience
Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in therapeutic development and a “drug‑hunting” mindset for large‑molecule therapeutics.
In‑depth knowledge and experience with yeast or mammalian display, including molecular biology/library preparation and hands‑on experience with cell‑based (FACS Aria/iQue) screening systems.
Hands‑on experience in molecular biology, expression vector design, primer design and NGS technology.
Knowledge of antibody sequence analysis, V‑region features including framework/ CDR delineation, liability assessment, germline analysis; understanding of Fc sequence space preferred.
Understanding of biophysical and biochemical methods for protein analysis (ELISA, SPR, flow cytometry, thermal stability).
Creative problem‑solving, risk‑taking, and ability to lead by influence and communicate across multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent written and oral communication; peer‑reviewed publications preferred.
Preferred Skills & Experience
Master’s with 6 years of industry experience or PhD with 3 years of industry experience.
Expertise in scientific computing (e.g., Python) and in silico protein structure and sequence modeling using AI/ML methods.
Expertise in protein structure modeling and analysis (Schrödinger, MOE, PyMol, Chimera).
Understanding of antibody and cytokine structure/function, including modulation of target binding and Fc‑based effector function.
Experience with bispecific or multispecific antibody or other complex therapeutic modalities.
Proficiency in protein expression/purification from mammalian systems.
Experience in high‑throughput binding assays (ELISA, SPR, MSD) or high‑throughput biophysical techniques for screening antibody variants.
Compensation & Benefits Expected pay range: $117,000 to $201,250. The position is eligible for an annual performance bonus and a long‑term incentive program. Eligible employees and/or dependents may participate in company‑sponsored health, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, business accident insurance and group legal insurance. Employees may also participate in the consolidated retirement plan (401(k)) and receive the following time‑off benefits:
Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year (48 hours for Colorado residents, 56 hours for Washington residents)
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 birth/adoption/foster care
Bereavement leave – 240 hours for immediate family member; 40 hours for 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
For additional general information on company benefits, see (https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits).
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 any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
This job posting is anticipated to close on December 13, 2025.
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