Senior Scientist, Chemical Research

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 Med Tech, 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.

Job Function: Discovery & Pre‑Clinical/Clinical Development

Job Sub Function: Chemical Research

Job Category: Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations: San Diego, California, United States of America

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.

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is recruiting for a Senior Scientist, Chemical Research located in San Diego, CA. At Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicines, what matters most is helping people live full and healthy lives. We focus on treating, curing and preventing some of the most devastating and complex diseases of our time. And we pursue the most promising science, wherever it might be found.

RNA Therapeutics and Delivery is embedded in Cell & Genetic Medicines, an organization within Therapeutics Discovery, where we are committed to the development of high‑quality drug candidates in the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics space working closely with Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicines Therapeutic Areas (TA) discovery teams. Our mission requires critical thinking, a portfolio approach and deep scientific knowledge and 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 growth opportunity within a dynamic and science‑driven organization.

• Independently perform solid phase synthesis, purification, and analysis of oligonucleotides and bioconjugates in a team environment.
• Support and troubleshoot process development efforts for synthesis and characterization of oligonucleotides and their bioconjugates.
• In collaboration with the team, support oligonucleotide innovation, optimization and design for de‑risked, tissue‑specific delivery.
• Collect, document and evaluate experimental data and communicate scientific findings as verbal presentations and written reports.

• PhD or equivalent experience in organic/analytical chemistry, chemical biology, or related field with 1 year of industry or academic experience in oligonucleotide drug discovery.
• Hands‑on experience with an emphasis on siRNA and/or ASO nucleic acid therapeutics development.
• Experience in siRNA synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization.
• Experience in siRNA design and chemical modifications.
• Exposure to the oligonucleotide delivery and drug discovery process.
• Critical thinking and scientific skills and a demonstrated ability to interpret and clearly communicate data.
• Strong teammate with the ability to work optimally in a dynamic team environment with diverse views and experiences.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and timelines.

• Experience in operating instruments and equipment including Mer Made and Dr. Oligo synthesizers, as well as HPLC, LC‑MS, and UV/Vis purification and characterization instrumentation.
• Consistent track record of accomplishments in oligonucleotide research in the form of patents, publications and/or presentations at major national meetings.
• Knowledge and experience with delivery of oligonucleotides using bioconjugation strategies.
• Knowledge of RNA biology and oligonucleotide screening technologies to facilitate effective team collaboration.
• Expertise in RNA structure–function…