Preclinical Research Associate Director
Johnson & Johnson
September 03, 2026
Remote friendly (Irvine, CA)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Purpose:
- The Preclinical Evidence & External Partnerships Associate Director will drive pre-market evidence generation strategies (EGS) and physician collaborations, generating clinically relevant evidence for the company’s pipeline.
You Will Be Responsible For:
- Ideate preclinical evidence strategies to support first-in-human use for all portfolio programs.
- Manage the preclinical external research program and physician partnerships with cross-functional clinical science partners.
- Review new study proposals; ensure timely decisions and execution of approved studies with external stakeholders.
- Use program data and metrics to conduct regular program reviews and provide updates to team leadership.
- Support evidence generation and dissemination strategy, including publication plan alignment and identifying gaps.
- Drive publication development with investigators and cross-functionally with Scientific Affairs partners; provide critical scientific input to publications.
- Contribute to preclinical protocol development for all portfolio products.
- Provide input to external physician partners on proposed preclinical research plans.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science or related discipline (Master’s or PhD strongly preferred).
- 8+ years related scientific/technical experience with leadership/management in Medical Affairs or similar role.
- 2+ years people management experience.
- Experience in Cardiovascular, Electrophysiology, or Structural Heart strongly preferred.
- Expertise in preclinical science/processes; broad understanding of product development, clinical trends, and clinical trial regulations.
- Experience supporting global regulatory submissions (IDE/510(k)/De Novo/PMA or global counterparts) highly desired.
- Ability to lead preclinical scientists across NPD projects; proven track record delivering on time/budget and compliant with SOPs/regulations.
- Up to 25% domestic/international travel.
Preferred Skills:
- Analytical reasoning; clinical research & regulations; clinical trials operations; communication; developing others; digital literacy/culture; healthcare trends; inclusive leadership; leadership; medical affairs/communications/compliance; prioritization; product strategies; scientific research; strategic thinking; team management.
- The Preclinical Evidence & External Partnerships Associate Director will drive pre-market evidence generation strategies (EGS) and physician collaborations, generating clinically relevant evidence for the company’s pipeline.
You Will Be Responsible For:
- Ideate preclinical evidence strategies to support first-in-human use for all portfolio programs.
- Manage the preclinical external research program and physician partnerships with cross-functional clinical science partners.
- Review new study proposals; ensure timely decisions and execution of approved studies with external stakeholders.
- Use program data and metrics to conduct regular program reviews and provide updates to team leadership.
- Support evidence generation and dissemination strategy, including publication plan alignment and identifying gaps.
- Drive publication development with investigators and cross-functionally with Scientific Affairs partners; provide critical scientific input to publications.
- Contribute to preclinical protocol development for all portfolio products.
- Provide input to external physician partners on proposed preclinical research plans.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science or related discipline (Master’s or PhD strongly preferred).
- 8+ years related scientific/technical experience with leadership/management in Medical Affairs or similar role.
- 2+ years people management experience.
- Experience in Cardiovascular, Electrophysiology, or Structural Heart strongly preferred.
- Expertise in preclinical science/processes; broad understanding of product development, clinical trends, and clinical trial regulations.
- Experience supporting global regulatory submissions (IDE/510(k)/De Novo/PMA or global counterparts) highly desired.
- Ability to lead preclinical scientists across NPD projects; proven track record delivering on time/budget and compliant with SOPs/regulations.
- Up to 25% domestic/international travel.
Preferred Skills:
- Analytical reasoning; clinical research & regulations; clinical trials operations; communication; developing others; digital literacy/culture; healthcare trends; inclusive leadership; leadership; medical affairs/communications/compliance; prioritization; product strategies; scientific research; strategic thinking; team management.