Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine · 7 hours ago
Senior Scientist, Discovery- Oncology In Vivo
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$105K/yr - $169K/yr
7+ years expJohnson & Johnson is a leader in healthcare innovation, focused on developing solutions to complex diseases. The Senior Scientist, Discovery-Oncology In Vivo will drive the characterization and development of innovative cancer treatments, leading cross-functional teams and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Pharmaceuticals
Responsibilities
Design, execute, and interpret independently in vivo pharmacology studies to validate and characterize oncology targets and therapeutic agents
Develop and optimize in vivo models, including efficacy, mechanism of action, PK/PD biomarker studies, and dose/schedule evaluations in diverse cancer models
Lead the development and adaptation of research methods from literature or internal innovation to improve existing models
Perform and oversee complex in vivo preclinical cancer studies, ensuring scientific rigor, compliance with all regulatory requirements, internal quality standards and timely delivery
Analyze and present data using appropriate statistical methods in formats suitable for internal stakeholders and external publications
Collaborate across functions and contribute to projects beyond your own area, acting as a scientific resource and thought leader
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating with project leaders and external partners as needed
Mentor and supervise junior scientists, fostering technical excellence and professional growth
Contribute to ex vivo analyses (flow cytometry, IHC, ELISA, RT-PCR, Luminex®) and imaging studies (bioluminescent imaging for metastatic disease models) as required
Stay current with oncology and tumor immunology literature to integrate emerging insights into research strategies
Communicate clearly and professionally, delivering impactful presentations and reports to internal teams and external audiences
Flexibility required for occasional weekend, evening and holiday dosing or animal monitoring. Some onboarding training may be conducted in Spring House, PA site
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree (BS/ BA) in the life sciences (molecular/ cellular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, tumor immunology) with at least 10 years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotech industry/ lab/ academic experience OR a Master's degree (MS) with at least 7 years of relevant experience, or PhD with 1-3 years of relevant post-graduate experience
Ability to cell culture of cancer and immune cells
Experience with oncology-relevant xenografts and syngeneic mouse models is required; primary grafts, orthotopic models, humanized models, or genetically engineered tumor models are preferred
Experience with small molecules and/ or biologics is required
Strong skills in tumor implantation techniques and dosing, proper handling of therapeutics, tumor measurement, health monitoring, and data collection and analysis are required
Strong organizational skills including the ability to manage several projects simultaneously; detail oriented with excellent record keeping skills are required
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with matrixed teams, internally and externally, is required
Excellent data management and record-keeping skills are required
Ability to effectively present scientific data and concepts to colleagues and teams is critical, and experience presenting at external meetings is also required
Proven track record of adherence to animal welfare and compliance regulations is critical
Preferred
Experience with immune-modulatory agents, vaccines or cell therapies such as CAR-Ts is desirable
Experience with bioluminescent imaging, flow cytometry, IHC, ELISA, RT-PCR, Westerns, or Luminex® is desirable
Experience with mentoring or managing direct reports is desirable
Experience in writing technical drafts for patent filings, IND (US-FDA) or CTA (EMA) filings is desirable
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life insurance
Short- and long-term disability
Business accident insurance
Group legal insurance
Consolidated retirement plan (pension)
Savings plan (401(k))
Long-term incentive program
Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year
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
Condolence Leave – 30 days for an immediate family member: 5 days for an extended family member
Caregiver Leave – 10 days
Volunteer Leave – 4 days
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours
Company
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine
Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicine focuses on developing medical solutions for some of the challenging diseases and medical conditions.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Molly Perkins
VP, Head of Cell & Genetic Medicines Discovery
Recent News
2025-08-14
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