Associate Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Process Development

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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:

Spring House, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job Description:

We are searching for the best talent for our Associate Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Process Development position to be located in Spring House, PA.

About Innovative Medicine

Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow.

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Purpose:

Within Research & Development, the Discovery, Product Development & Supply (DPDS) organization is responsible for the development, clinical supply, marketed product support, and life cycle management of Biotherapeutics. Within DPDS, the API CGT group supports product development of novel cell and gene therapies for unmet medical needs.

We are seeking a motivated Associate Scientist to join our Lentivirus Small Scale Process Development team, supporting upstream cell culture process development for lentiviral vector–based cell and gene therapy products within DPDS, API.

In this role, you will integrate into the upstream development team and support the execution of experiments under the guidance of senior scientists and team leads. Responsibilities will focus on performing, maintaining, and monitoring cell cultures while collaborating closely with project teams to achieve development objectives.

The Associate Scientist will support experimental activities related to scaling viral vector–based processes from shake flasks to bioreactor systems, assist in identifying process parameters, perform planned experiments, and contribute to upstream cell culture process optimization. The role may also include participation in data analysis for early- and late-stage programs and providing support for technology transfer activities to GMP clinical or commercial manufacturing sites. Additional laboratory studies, such as media optimization or evaluation of new upstream technologies, may be performed as needed.

You will be responsible for:

• Performing small-scale upstream lentiviral vector process development using mammalian cell culture systems
• Executing routine cell culture activities, including aseptic techniques, cell expansion, feeding strategies, and harvest operations
• Assisting with process characterization studies supporting development milestones, regulatory filings, and process understanding
• Designing and executing experiments, analyze data, prepare technical reports and presentations
• Supporting technology transfer of upstream processes to manufacturing sites as needed
• Maintaining accurate and timely documentation of experimental work in electronic laboratory notebooks, ensuring data integrity and compliance
• Staying current with relevant scientific literature and new technologies related to upstream viral vector processing

Qualifications/Responsibilities:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related scientific field is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant industry or research experience in cell culture, upstream process development, or a comparable bioprocessing role is required.
• Hands-on experience with aseptic techniques and mammalian cell culture systems is required. (e.g., shake flasks) Exposure to bioreactors preferred.
• Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data and troubleshoot routine process challenges is required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a commitment to safety, quality, and good documentation practices is required.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling effective collaboration in a cross-functional environment is required.
• Occasional weekend work may be required
• Limited travel may be required (<10%)
• Experience with viral vector process development and mammalian cell culture analytics is preferred.
• Familiarity with bioreactor systems (e.g., Wave or stirred-tank bioreactors) is preferred
• Strong communication skills and ability to operate effectively within a team-based environment is preferred

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 and 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 email the Employee Health Support Center ([email protected]) or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

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Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Analytical Reasoning, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC), Clinical Trial Protocols, Collaborating, Data Quality, Drug Discovery Development, Execution Focus, Molecular Diagnostics, Pharmacogenetics, Problem Solving, Research Documents, Scientific Research, Technologically Savvy, Troubleshooting, Written Expression