Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemistry (Design-Synthesis)-Rna, Gene Therapy & Deliveryesis

Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., a division of Johnson & Johnson's Family of Companies is recruiting for a Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemistry (Design- Synthesis)-RNA, Gene Therapy & Delivery located in La Jolla, CA.

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 https://www.jnj.com/ .

RNA, Gene Therapy & 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. Our mission requires critical thinking, a portfolio approach and deep scientific expertise in several fields including Oligonucleotide Chemistry, bioconjugation chemistry, nanotechnology, cellular and molecular pharmacology and screening technologies coupled with an ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners. This role offers tremendous growth opportunity within a dynamic and science driven organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead from the bench to design and optimize oligonucleotides and bioconjugates.
• Serve as project co-lead for RNA therapeutics in collaboration with Therapeutic Area (TA) discovery leads to advance projects through the preclinical stage gates.
• Work collaboratively with partners in molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, computational chemistry, ADME, structural biology, chemical development, and other key functions.
• Manage external contract research organizations (CROs) and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) to support oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Collaborate with the team to establish and optimize chemistry processes for solid phase synthesis, purification, analysis of oligonucleotides and bioconjugates.
• Critically evaluate experiment data and communicate scientific findings as verbal presentations and written reports, and provide updates on project status.

Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field with more than 5 years of industry and postdoctoral experience in oligonucleotide drug discovery OR Master’s degree with more than 8 years of industry experience OR Bachelor’s degree with more than 10 years of industry experience is required.

Experience and Skills:

Required:

• Deep knowledge of the oligonucleotide design and drug discovery process, including base and backbone modifications is required.
• Experience in phosphoramidite synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization is required.
• Excellent critical thinking and scientific skills and a demonstrated ability to interpret and clearly communicate complex data is required.
• Strong team partner with the ability to work effectively in a dynamic matrix team environment with diverse views is required.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and timelines is required.

Preferred:

• Postdoctoral experience with an emphasis on nucleic acid chemistry is preferred.
• Experience with managing external (CROs) and (CMOs) to support oligonucleotide synthesis is preferred.
• Proven track record of accomplishments in oligonucleotide research in the form of patents, publications and/or presentations at major national meetings is preferred.
• Experience in development/CMC including quality and regulatory interactions is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with delivery of oligonucleotides using innovative bioconjugation strategies is preferred.
• Working knowledge of RNA biology and oligonucleotide screening technologies to facilitate effective team collaboration is preferred.

The anticipated base pay range for this position is $113,000 to $195,500.

The Company maintains highly competitive, performance-based compensation programs. Under current guidelines, this position is eligible for an annual performance bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan. The annual performance bonus is a cash bonus intended to provide an incentive to achieve annual targeted results by rewarding for individual and the corporation’s performance over a calendar/performance year. Bonuses are awarded at the Company’s discretion on an individual basis.

Employees and/or eligible dependents may be eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance.

Employees may be eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k).

Employees are eligible for the following time off benefits:

• Vacation – up to 120 hours per calendar year.
• Sick time - up to 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington – up to 56 hours per calendar year.
• Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – up to 13 days per calendar year.
• Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year.

Additional information can be found through the link below.

For additional general information on Company benefits, please go to: https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits .

This job posting is anticipated to close on 03/11/2024. The Company may however extend this time-period, in which case the posting will remain available on https://www.careers.jnj.com to accept additional applications.

Johnson & Johnson is an Affirmative Action and 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, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

For more information on how we support the whole health of our employees throughout their wellness, career and life journey, please visit www.careers.jnj.com .