Associate Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Process Development
This job is with Johnson & Johnson, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.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 jnj.com.As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.Job Function: Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical DevelopmentJob Sub Function: Biotherapeutics R&DJob Category:Scientific/TechnologyAll Job Posting Locations:Spring House, Pennsylvania, United States of AmericaJob 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.Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way.Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/innovative-medicinePurpose: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 systemsExecuting routine cell culture activities, including aseptic techniques, cell expansion, feeding strategies, and harvest operationsAssisting with process characterization studies supporting development milestones, regulatory filings, and process understandingDesigning and executing experiments, analyze data, prepare technical reports and presentationsSupporting technology transfer of upstream processes to manufacturing sites as neededMaintaining accurate and timely documentation of experimental work in electronic laboratory notebooks, ensuring data integrity and complianceStaying current with relevant scientific literature and new technologies related to upstream viral vector processingQualifications/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 requiredLimited travel may be required (