Director, Ophthalmology Discovery

Position

Director – Ophthalmology Discovery (Cambridge, MA). The role supports drug discovery of novel therapeutics for retinal disease.

• Leverage experience in preclinical retinal drug development to develop, lead and guide team members to advance programs in the discovery pipeline.
• Drive effective decision‑making and prioritization considering impact to timeline, FTEs/budget, and risks.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate team members; provide performance goal setting, hiring, and development, recognition, and rewards.
• Drive collaboration with functional partners, communicate proactively, and maintain relationships with key stakeholders; update progress and align strategic priorities with internal partners, cross‑functional teams, and third‑party collaborators.
• Collaborate with and lead/participate in cross‑functional teams and governance activities to facilitate IND‑enabling and clinical Phase I/II‑enabling activities.
• Lead projects in early or late discovery pipeline and facilitate transition into clinical development by working with precision measures and biomarker colleagues; mentor junior project leaders; communicate program progress and issues to senior management, governance and approval committees, and at national and international conferences.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

• PhD or MD/PhD in Ophthalmology, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering or Neuroscience with at least 10 years of relevant experience in industry, post‑graduate academics and/or clinical experience.

• Knowledge of retinal biology, physiology and pathophysiology, and understanding of preclinical drug development as applied to ocular diseases.
• Expertise in drug development and ocular delivery involving multiple platforms (small molecules, oligonucleotide therapeutics and/or biologics).
• Proven leadership and problem‑solving skills in preclinical drug development with emphasis on pipeline projects.
• Detail‑oriented, highly organized, able to manage multiple tasks, handle tight timelines and deliver quality data.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment as a team player with strong work ethic.
• Highly adaptable and responsive, able to motivate and influence others and drive team accountability.
• May require 10% travel.

The anticipated base pay range is USD 164,000 to USD 282,900.

Eligible for an annual performance bonus according to the applicable plan.

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance.
• Consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
• Long‑term incentive program participation.
• Time‑off benefits: vacation up to 120 hours per calendar year, sick time up to 40 hours per calendar year (56 hours for Washington state residents), holiday pay and floating holidays up to 13 days per calendar year, and Work, Personal and Family Time up to 40 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. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.