Senior Principal Scientist, Neuropsychiatry Discovery

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Job Function:
Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development
Job Sub Function:
Biological Research
Job Category:
Scientific/Technology
All Job Posting Locations:
San Diego, California, United States of America
Job Description:

The Neuropsychiatry Discovery department at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is recruiting for a Senior Principal Scientist, located in San Diego, CA, USA.

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.

Our Neuroscience team tackles the world's toughest brain health challenges including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis, epilepsy, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism. This patient-focused team helps address some of the most complex diseases of our time.

Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way.

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We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative researcher to advance discovery initiatives and pipeline programs supporting the Johnson & Johnson Neuropsychiatry strategy.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and drug development for psychiatric diseases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a recognized scientific expert, independently leading major portions of complex biological research projects aligned with the Johnson & Johnson Neuropsychiatry strategy.

• Partner cross-functionally to drive biology and biotechnology initiatives from strategy through execution and communication.

• Design, guide, and execute complex biochemical, cellular, molecular, and translational studies; interpret data; and communicate impact, recommendations, and risks.

• Ensure data integrity, documentation, laboratory safety, and compliance.

• Shape departmental scientific strategy by identifying emerging biology and translating insights into actionable project plans.

• Initiate and manage external collaborations with academic, CRO, and biotech partners.

• Engage the scientific community through presentations, publications, and other external contributions.

• Mentor junior colleagues and provide matrix supervision to build technical capability, rigor, and collaboration.

• Integrate Johnson & Johnson's Credo and Leadership Imperatives into goals, decisions, and daily interactions.

Qualifications:

• PhD with 10+ years of experience in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field is required.

Required experience and skills:

• Drug discovery and development experience, with strong knowledge of neuropharmacology and psychiatric disease biology.

• Broad expertise in molecular and cellular biology, in vitro cell culture systems, and functional assay development.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions and advance project objectives.

• Excellent collaboration, communication, and management skills to influence cross-functional stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and as a team member in an international, matrixed environment.

• Ability to leverage AI-enabled tools to accelerate scientific insights, workflow efficiency, and data-driven decisions.

• Strong sense of urgency, efficiency, flexibility, and accountability in a fast-paced research environment.

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.

Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants' needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please contact us via  or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

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