Principal Scientist, Protein Optimization

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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:

About Innovative Medicine

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Learn more at are searching for the best talent for Principal Scientist Protein Optimization in Cambridge MA

Purpose: The Protein Engineering and In Vitro Discovery Team within Biologics Discovery is responsible for the design of lead biologic candidates across multiple therapeutic this position the Principal Scientist I 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. As a member of the Protein Optimization team you will be responsible for 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 role will also work closely with our in silico discovery colleagues driving future advancements and technologies. This Principal Scientist is responsible for developing and implementing novel display-based binder selection/engineering/screening methods for rapid and validated selection of optimized antibody/protein variants. This role offers an exciting opportunity to not only engage in the discovery and molecular engineering of biotherapeutics but also develop new processes and technologies in collaboration with other functional groups. This Principal Scientist I will have the opportunity to lead project teams and interact seamlessly with world-class Therapeutic Area scientists.

You will be responsible for:

• Support protein optimization engineering efforts across the modality agnostic Therapeutics Discovery organization. Act as a point of accountability for engineering asks and manage 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/participate on project teams to advance discovery portfolio projects.
• Independently present/defend scientific findings in multi-functional project teams/initiatives.
• Independently plan analyze and interpret experimental results and draft patent applications manuscripts protocols SOPs technical reports etc.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Education: A minimum of a MS Degree in in Molecular Biology Biochemistry Biotechnology Biomedical Engineering structural biology or related field is required. PhD is highly preferred.

Skills/Experience

Required:

• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in therapeutic development and drug hunting mindset for large molecule therapeutics.
• In-depth knowledge and demonstrated experience in yeast or mammalian display including relevant molecular biology/library preparation and hands on experience in cell-based (FACS Aria/iQue) systems for screening protein domains. Demonstrate examples in applying state of the art display technologies to advance therapeutic programs beyond discovery.
• Detailed knowledge/hands-on experience in molecular biology including expression vector design primer design and demonstrated knowledge/experience with NGS technology.
• Detailed understanding of antibody sequence analysis specifically V-region features including FW/CDR delineation liability assessment germline analysis. Understanding of Fc sequence space is preferred.
• Sound understanding of biophysical and biochemical methods for protein analysis including ELISA SPR and/or flow cytometry thermal stability analysis.
• Zeal for addressing complex scientific questions and solving novel challenges with creativity and a collaborative spirit. Demonstration of successful implementation of new ideas with calculated risk taking. Abilities to lead by influence and communicate across teams with diverse backgrounds is required.
• Demonstration of clear concise and timely communication skills exemplified by peer-reviewed publications is required.

Preferred:

• Candidates with a Masters degree: 6 years of industry experience is preferred
• Candidates with a PhD: 3 years of industry experience is preferred
• Expertise in scientific computing (e.g. Python) and experience with in silico protein structure and sequence modeling using AI/ML methods to facilitate collaboration with computational and AI/ML functional teams
• Expertise in protein structure modeling and analysis (e.g. Schrodinger MOE pyMol Chimera etc.)
• Understanding of antibody and cytokine structure and function including modulation of target binding and Fc-based effector function is preferred.
• Experience with bi- or multi-specific antibody or other complex therapeutic modalities is preferred.
• Sound understanding of protein expression/purification from mammalian systems is preferred.
• Hands on experience in HTP-based binding assays (such as ELISA SPR MSD) or HTP-biophysical techniques for screening antibody variants is preferred.

The expected pay range for this position is $117000 to $201250.

The Company maintains highly competitive performance-based compensation programs. Under current guidelines this position is eligible for an annual performance bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan. The annual performance bonus is a cash bonus intended to provide an incentive to achieve annual targeted results by rewarding for individual and the corporations performance over a calendar/ performance year. Bonuses are awarded at the Companys discretion on an individual basis.

• Subject to the terms of their respective plans employees and/or eligible dependents are eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical dental vision life insurance short and long-term disability business accident insurance and group legal insurance.
• Subject to the terms of their respective plans employees are eligible to participate in the Companys consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
• This position is eligible to participate in the Companys long-term incentive program. 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: job posting is anticipated to close on December 13 2025. The Company may however extend this time-period in which case the posting will remain available on to accept additional applications.

The compensation and benefits information set forth in this posting applies to candidates hired in the United States. Candidates hired outside the United States will be eligible for compensation and benefits in accordance with their local market

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. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation please contact us via or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Analytical Reasoning Biochemistry Biotechnology Chemistry Manufacturing and Control (CMC) Clinical Research and Regulations Clinical Trial Designs Coaching Critical Thinking Drug Discovery Development Emerging Technologies Molecular Diagnostics Organizing Pharmacovigilance Presentation Design Process Improvements Productivity Planning Scientific Research

The anticipated base pay range for this position is :

$117000.00 - $201250.00

Additional Description for Pay Transparency:

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



This position is eligible to participate in the Companys long-term incentive program.



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



Additional information can be found through the link below.

Co-Ops and Intern Positions: Please use the following language:

Co-Ops/Interns are eligible to participate in Company sponsored employee medical benefits in accordance with the terms of the plan.

Co-Ops and Interns are eligible for the following sick time benefits: up to 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington up to 56 hours per calendar year.

Co-Ops and Interns are eligible to participate in the Companys consolidated retirement plan (pension).



Positions Represented by CBA: Please use the following language:

This position is eligible for benefits to include medical dental vision and time off as well as any others as provided for in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.



The following link to general company benefits information MUST also be included in the posting: Please use the following language:

For additional general information on Company benefits please go to: - Experience:

Staff IC