Scientist, Replicon Molecular Biology

Janssen Research & Development, LLC, a member of Johnson & Johnson's Family of Companies, is recruiting for a Scientist, Replicon Molecular Biology, located in San Diego (La Jolla), CA.

At the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, we are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. We are Janssen. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Learn more at www.janssen.com and follow us @JanssenGlobal. Janssen Research & Development, LLC is part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies.

RNA, Gene Therapy and Delivery is an organization within Therapeutics Discovery committed to the delivery of high-quality drug candidates in the novel synthetic modalities space working closely with Janssen Therapeutic Areas (TA) discovery teams. The Scientist will be responsible for the design and optimization of saRNA vaccines and therapeutics to support multiple TAs. The candidate will work closely and collaboratively with both internal and external partners to advance potential products into the clinic.

We are searching for an enthusiastic and self-motivated candidate that enjoys working in a highly collaborative team environment!

• Develop and execute in vitro assays for the characterization of free and LNP formulated mRNA
• Design, clone and produce mRNAs for optimal vaccine efficacy
• Design and execute experiments to characterize antigens and proteins encoded by mRNA candidates

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 0-3 years in either a postdoc or industry, M.S. degree with 4-6 years in industry required

• Expertise in vaccines, molecular biology, immunology, and/or closely related field

• Experienced in the design and production of plasmid DNA

• Hands on experience in design, modification, and optimization of mRNA

• Experience in characterizing in vitro/in vivo activity of mRNA or similar modalities

• Familiarity with mRNA and nanoparticle delivery systems

• Demonstrated lab work skills in several of the following: vector construction and DNA cloning, In Vitro Transcription (IVT), mammalian tissue culture, primary immune cell culture, gene expression using transduction, transfection, or electroporation, DNA/RNA isolation from mammalian cells, RT-qPCR setup and data analysis, flow cytometry, microscopy (ideally HTP), microplate-based assays including ELISA, luciferase, MSD, ELLA.

• Ability to communicate scientifically rigorous findings via verbal and written communications, visualizations, and presentations

• Ability to contribute to project planning and goal setting, as well as identify and address technical challenges

• Effectively multi-task and advance various projects simultaneously and work collaboratively across teams in a matrix environment

• Design, plan, organize and execute complex experiments

• Work independently

• Up to 10% travel may be required

• A minimum of 2 years relevant pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience