Principal Scientist, Vector Biology

Position Overview

Principal Scientist, Vector Biology – Cambridge, MA. Lead receptor and viral‑entry biology initiatives that translate mechanistic insight into therapeutic progress.

• Lead and contribute to research focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of enveloped virus entry.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize the interactions between viral glycoproteins and host cell receptors.
• Design, develop, and validate robust cell‑based assays probing receptor expression/localization, ligand/virus binding, internalization/endocytosis pathways, and functional readouts by flow cytometry, high‑content/fluorescence microscopy, and reporter assays.
• Utilize lentiviral vector systems to study the transduction of target cells and develop novel gene delivery platforms.
• Establish scalable, reproducible workflows and SOPs; implement assay performance criteria and QC.
• Integrate data with cross‑functional partners (protein/vector engineering, analytics, translational, process/CMC) to inform target selection, vector design, and process improvements.
• Present research findings at internal and external scientific meetings.

• PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent industry experience).
• 3–6 years of relevant industry experience with a record of leading scientific projects and/or teams.
• Deep hands‑on expertise in mammalian cell culture and cell line engineering.
• Proven track record developing and running quantitative cell‑based assays for membrane proteins/receptors (e.g., flow cytometry panels, internalization assays, high‑content imaging).
• Practical knowledge of viral entry biology (receptor‑ligand interactions; endocytic/internalization mechanisms) and ability to design mechanistic experiments.
• Direct experience with lentiviral vectors and transduction workflows, including assay development and optimization in cell lines and/or primary cells.
• Strong data analysis and scientific communication skills; demonstrated ability to drive decisions with clear, reproducible results.
• Experience with pseudovirus or live‑virus entry/neutralization assays under BSL‑2/BSL‑2+ preferred.
• High‑throughput/automated assay development, liquid handling, and/or screening experience a plus.
• Record of publications/patents in receptor biology, viral entry, or vector technologies.

Salary range: $ – $.

Benefits include retirement plans, vacation, sick time, holiday pay, work‑personal and family time, parental leave, bereavement leave, caregiver leave, volunteer leave, and military spouse time‑off.

• Vacation: 120 hours per calendar year
• Sick time: 40 hours per calendar year (48 in Colorado, 56 in Washington)
• Holiday pay, including floating holidays: 13 days per calendar year
• Work, personal and family time: up to 40 hours per calendar year
• Parental leave: 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
• Bereavement leave: 240 hours for an immediate family member; 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
• Caregiver leave: 80 hours in a 52‑week rolling period
• Volunteer leave: 32 hours per calendar year
• Military spouse time‑off: 80 hours per calendar year

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.