Principal Scientist, Biologics Optimization

Role: Principal Scientist in Biologics Optimization within Johnson & Johnson's Innovative Medicine R&D, leading protein engineering efforts to develop therapeutic biologics across multiple modalities. Responsibilities: steer biologics design and optimization strategies integrating structure-function insights, develop novel display platforms, evaluate critical attributes such as potency, selectivity, and developability, and utilize computational, AI/ML, and high-throughput screening technologies. Partner with cross-functional teams to translate therapeutic mechanisms into optimized molecules, and lead project initiatives from discovery to candidate selection. Requirements: MS in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related; PhD preferred; minimum 3 years industry experience in biologics discovery or protein engineering; expertise in antibody structure-function relationships, display technologies (e.g., yeast display), biophysical characterization, and computational biology. High-Value: biologics (antibodies/proteins), therapeutic optimization, mechanism-based design, display platforms, AI/ML integration, oncology/immunology relevance. Collaboration: work closely with therapeutic area scientists, computational, and protein engineering teams; lead and influence within a matrixed research environment. Work Setup: based in Spring House, PA, with potential cross-team interactions and project leadership responsibilities.