Senior Manager, Viral Vectors

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

Senior Manager to lead a discovery research Viral Vector Core team, overseeing research-scale viral vector production, purification, and analytical testing, and collaborating with process development colleagues. The role requires scientific leadership, team management, and expertise in lentiviral vectors.

What you'd actually do

  1. Provide scientific direction and operational oversight for the Viral Vector Core. Lead a team of scientists and associates in the design, execution, and troubleshooting of all vector production and characterization activities.
  2. Direct the upstream (cell culture, bioreactor process) and downstream (purification, concentration) development activities for discovery research viral vector manufacturing. Drive the optimization and scaling of processes from 96-well plates to 1L bioreactor scale.
  3. Oversee the development, validation, and implementation of a comprehensive suite of analytical assays to ensure the quality, safety, and potency of all viral vectors. This includes assays for biophysical characterization, particle quantitation (ddPCR, qPCR, ELISA), and functional assessment (titer, potency).
  4. Collaborate with colleagues in process development to inform and align on vector production and testing activities.
  5. Act as the primary point of contact for the Viral Vector Core, collaborating closely with discovery research and preclinical teams to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality vectors for all studies as well as other vector core groups for aligned methods.

Skills

Required

  • Ph.D. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline
  • minimum of 6 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry
  • Extensive hands-on experience and a deep theoretical understanding of viral vector biology, particularly lentiviral systems
  • Proven track record of leading and managing a scientific team in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment
  • Demonstrated expertise in the development and optimization of upstream and downstream processes for viral vector production in a research setting
  • In-depth knowledge and practical experience with a wide range of modern analytical techniques for vector characterization
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills
  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated operational expertise, including hands-on experience implementing Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
  • Proven ability to create certificates of testing and reports
  • successful track record of aligning analytical methods across teams

Nice to have

  • Big Data

What the JD emphasized

  • extensive experience with lentiviral vectors
  • proven track record of managing a high-performing scientific team