Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., a division of Johnson & Johnson's Family of Companies is recruiting for a Director, Oligonucleotide Chemistry & Formulations in the RNA, Gene Therapy & Delivery organization located in La Jolla, CA.
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RNA, Gene Therapy & Delivery is an organization within Therapeutics Discovery, committed to the delivery of high-quality drug candidates in the novel synthetic modalities space working closely with Janssen Therapeutic Areas (TA) discovery teams. Our mission requires critical thinking, a portfolio approach and deep scientific expertise in several fields including oligonucleotide chemistry, bioconjugation chemistry, nanotechnology, cellular and molecular pharmacology and screening technologies coupled with an ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners. This role offers tremendous growth opportunity within a dynamic and science driven organization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive the scientific direction, strategy and provide leadership for the design and synthesis of oligonucleotides and bioconjugates for delivery.
- Lead efforts in establishing LNP formulation capabilities for RNA therapeutics (oligonucleotides, mRNA, etc.).
- Lead innovation, optimization, and process development efforts for oligonucleotide therapeutics and LNP formulations.
- Co-lead and mentor project teams to develop and implement oligonucleotide drug discovery strategies to advance projects through the preclinical stage gates.
- Work collaboratively with partners in molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, computational chemistry, ADME, structural biology, chemical development, and other key functions.
- Build and lead a group of scientists to establish and optimize chemistry processes for solid phase synthesis, purification, analysis of oligonucleotides and bioconjugates.
- Participate and contribute to discussions and projects with strategic external partners.
- Manage external CROs and CMOs for to support oligonucleotide synthesis.
- Critically evaluate experiment data and communicate scientific findings as verbal presentations and written reports, and provide updates on project status to Therapeutics Discovery leadership Team.
Qualifications
Education:
- PhD in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field with more than 10 years of industry and postdoctoral experience in Oligonucleotide/RNA drug discovery is required.
Experience and Skills:
Required:
- Broad experience in phosphoramidite synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization is required.
- Deep understanding of the oligonucleotide drug discovery process is required.
- Experience in advancing oligonucleotide therapeutics from discovery into clinical development is required.
- Excellent critical thinking and scientific skills and a demonstrated ability to interpret and clearly communicate complex data is required.
- Strong collaborator with the ability to work effectively in a dynamic matrix team environment with diverse views is required
- Demonstrated experience in successfully prioritizing and managing projects and timelines is required.
- Hands on experience with formulating and assessing LNP delivery systems is required.
Preferred:
- Postdoctoral experience with an emphasis on nucleic acid chemistry is preferred.
- Proven track record of accomplishments in oligonucleotide research in the form of patents, publications and/or presentations at major national meetings is preferred.
- Experience in development/CMC including quality and regulatory interactions is preferred.
- Knowledge and experience with delivery of oligonucleotides using innovative bioconjugation strategies is preferred.
- Working knowledge of RNA biology and oligonucleotide screening technologies to facilitate effective team collaboration is preferred.
- Experience with LNP formulation design, production and quality control (QC) is preferred.
- Deep knowledge of the LNP landscape is preferred.
The anticipated base pay range for this position is $157,000 to $271,400.
The Company maintains highly competitive, performance-based compensation programs. Under current guidelines, this position is eligible for an annual performance bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan. The annual performance bonus is a cash bonus intended to provide an incentive to achieve annual targeted results by rewarding for individual and the corporation's performance over a calendar/performance year. Bonuses are awarded at the Company's discretion on an individual basis.
Employees and/or eligible dependents may be eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance.
Employees may be eligible to participate in the Company's consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k).
Employees are eligible for the following time off benefits:
- Vacation - up to 120 hours per calendar year.
- Sick time - up to 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington - up to 56 hours per calendar year.
- Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays - up to 13 days per calendar year.
- Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year.
Additional information can be found through the link below.
For additional general information on Company benefits, please go to: https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits.
This job posting is anticipated to close on 03/11/2024. The Company may however extend this time-period, in which case the posting will remain available on https://www.careers.jnj.com to accept additional applications.
Johnson & Johnson is an Affirmative Action and 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, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
For more information on how we support the whole health of our employees throughout their wellness, career and life journey, please visit www.careers.jnj.com.