Postdoctoral Scholar, Multigene Expression Platforms

Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson · Pharma · Spring House, PA +1

This postdoctoral position focuses on advancing next-generation CHO cell line engineering strategies to enable efficient and stable expression of complex multigene biologics, including bispecific and multispecific antibodies. The role will lead the design, construction, and evaluation of compact multigene expression architectures to address payload size and gene copy number limitations that constrain productivity in current manufacturing platforms. Through a combination of molecular biology, cell line development, and analytical characterization, the position will generate scalable expression solutions that improve integration efficiency, transcriptional balance, and antibody titers, directly supporting portfolio-level biologics manufacturing innovation within Discovery, Product Development & Supply (DPDS).

What you'd actually do

  1. Conducting research to advance biologics development platforms through innovative experimental design and data analysis.
  2. Applying molecular and cell‑based technologies to evaluate strategies that improve productivity and scalability in cell culture systems.
  3. Collaborating within a multidisciplinary research environment to generate insights that support next‑generation therapeutic development.
  4. Completing trainings, literature reviews, presentations, and symposia.

Skills

Required

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Gene expression systems
  • Vector design
  • Cell-based biologics research
  • Experimental design
  • Data analysis
  • Mammalian cell culture
  • Plasmid construct design
  • Protein expression assessment
  • Genetic integration assessment
  • Transcriptional output assessment
  • Protein expression assessment
  • Scientific communication
  • Scientific computing
  • Data analysis tools
  • Laboratory software systems
  • Documentation platforms

Nice to have

  • Advanced gene expression architectures
  • Multigene expression systems
  • Platform or technology-focused research
  • Biologics development
  • Translational research
  • Process oriented teams

What the JD emphasized

  • A PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field relevant to biologics or cellular systems is required.
  • Advanced knowledge in molecular biology, cell biology or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in gene expression systems, vector design, and cell‑based biologics research is required.
  • Advanced experimental design and data analysis skills, including the ability to independently plan, implement, and interpret complex biological data and trouble shoot is required.
  • Extensive experience with molecular biology, mammalian cell culture systems, applying advanced laboratory techniques to evaluate expression, stability, and productivity in engineered cells is required.
  • Strong proficiency in molecular and analytical methods used to design plasmid constructs for protein expression and to assess genetic integration, transcriptional output, and protein expression, with the ability to critically evaluate data quality and relevance is required.
  • A strong research record, demonstrated through peer‑reviewed publications and/or scientific presentations is required.
  • Advanced scientific communication skills, including clear documentation, data visualization, and presentation of findings to multidisciplinary research teams is required.
  • Ability to work independently as a scientific contributor, while effectively collaborating in a team‑based research environment and managing multiple priorities is required.
  • Proficiency with scientific computing, data analysis tools, standard laboratory software systems, and documentation platforms is required.