Senior Manager, Vector Biology

Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson · Pharma · Cambridge, MA +1

Senior Manager role focused on advancing viral vector biology, vector design improvements, assay development, and optimization of lentiviral vectors for in vivo cell targeting within Johnson & Johnson's Innovative Medicine division. The role involves leading a multidisciplinary team, providing technical leadership, and strategic direction to enhance cell-specific transduction capabilities.

What you'd actually do

  1. Manage a team of scientists and engineers focused on viral vector biology, vector design, and assay development
  2. Oversee the team's work to improve lentiviral vector design and performance for in vivo cell targeting, including:
  3. Develop and implement strategies to optimize lentiviral vectors for specific cell type transduction
  4. Ensure the team designs and validates robust assays to test key assumptions about vector biology, cell targeting, and overall performance
  5. Collaborate cross-functionally with other R&D teams to integrate vector innovations into cell and gene therapy programs

Skills

Required

  • viral vector biology
  • vector design
  • assay development
  • lentiviral vectors
  • cell targeting
  • cell biology
  • molecular biology
  • virology
  • bioengineering
  • cell and gene therapy
  • in vivo applications
  • cell surface receptor biology
  • cell signaling pathways
  • intracellular trafficking mechanisms
  • multidisciplinary team leadership
  • project management
  • communication skills

Nice to have

  • Big Data Management
  • Data Reporting
  • Data Savvy
  • Developing Others
  • Drug Discovery Development
  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
  • Inclusive Leadership
  • Industry Analysis
  • Leadership
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Operational Excellence
  • Pharmaceutical Microbiology
  • Product Knowledge
  • Project Reporting
  • Scientific Research
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Sustainability
  • Team Management

What the JD emphasized

  • Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in molecular biology, virology, bioengineering, or a related field with 6-8+ years of relevant industry experience in cell and gene therapy, with a strong background in viral vector development
  • Deep expertise in lentiviral vector biology, design, and optimization for in vivo applications, including strong knowledge of cell biology principles to enable efficient cell targeting
  • Extensive experience developing and validating assays to characterize vector tropism, cell binding, internalization, and transduction efficiency
  • Demonstrated track record of leveraging cell biology insights to engineer improved cell-targeting capabilities of viral vectors
  • Thorough understanding of cell surface receptor biology, cell signaling pathways, and intracellular trafficking mechanisms to inform vector design and optimization
  • Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering tangible R&D outcomes