Principal Scientist, Protein Optimization

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at Job Function: Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development Job Sub Function: Biotherapeutics R&D Job Category: Scientific/Technology All Job Posting Locations: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America About Innovative Medicine Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science‑based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow. Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way. Learn more at We are searching for the best talent for Principal Scientist, Protein Optimization in Cambridge, MA Purpose: The Protein Engineering and In Vitro Discovery Team within Biologics Discovery is responsible for the design of lead biologic candidates across multiple therapeutic modalities. In this position, the Principal Scientist I will be an integral member of the Protein Optimization Engineering team that works on the cutting edge of protein science and technologies to deliver fit‑for‑purpose optimized protein sequences supporting the therapeutic pipeline. As a member of the Protein Optimization team, you will be responsible for protein design and optimization with a strong focus on affinity, developability and other critical attributes using display technologies, structure and modeling‑based design and other emerging computational or AI/ML methods. This role will also work closely with our in silico discovery colleagues, driving future advancements and technologies. This Principal Scientist is responsible for developing and implementing novel display‑based binder selection/engineering/screening methods for rapid and validated selection of optimized antibody/protein variants. This role offers an exciting opportunity to not only engage in the discovery and molecular engineering of biotherapeutics, but also develop new processes and technologies in collaboration with other functional groups. This Principal Scientist I will have the opportunity to lead project teams and interact seamlessly with world‑class Therapeutic Area scientists. You will be responsible for: Support protein optimization engineering efforts across the modality agnostic Therapeutics Discovery organization. Act as a point of accountability for engineering asks and manage project timelines independently. Develop and champion novel display‑based platform development efforts aimed at fulfilling strategic long‑term antibody design/optimization initiatives and validation. Lead/participate on project teams to advance discovery portfolio projects. Independently present/defend scientific findings in multi‑functional project teams/initiatives. Independently plan, analyze and interpret experimental results and draft patent applications, manuscripts, protocols, SOPs, technical reports, etc. Qualifications / Requirements: Education: A minimum of a MS Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, structural biology or related field is required. PhD is highly preferred. Experience: A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience is required. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in therapeutic development and ‘drug hunting’ mindset for large molecule therapeutics. In‑depth knowledge and demonstrated experience in yeast or mammalian display, including relevant molecular biology/library preparation and hands‑on experience in cell‑based (FACS Aria/iQue) systems for screening protein domains. Demonstrate examples in applying state‑of‑the‑art display technologies to advance therapeutic programs beyond discovery. Detailed knowledge/hands‑on experience in molecular biology, including expression vector design, primer design and demonstrated knowledge/experience with NGS technology. Detailed understanding of antibody sequence analysis, specifically V‑region features including FW/CDR delineation, liability assessment, germline analysis. Understanding of Fc sequence space is preferred. Sound understanding of biophysical and biochemical methods for protein analysis, including ELISA, SPR, and/or flow cytometry, thermal stability analysis. Zeal for addressing complex scientific questions and solving novel challenges with creativity and a collaborative spirit. Demonstration of successful implementation of new ideas with calculated risk taking. Abilities to lead by influence and communicate across teams with diverse backgrounds is required. Demonstration of clear, concise, and timely communication skills, exemplified by peer‑reviewed publications is required. Preferred: Candidates with a Master’s degree: 6 years of industry experience is preferred Candidates with a PhD: 3 years of industry experience is preferred Expertise in scientific computing (e.g. Python) and experience with in silico protein structure and sequence modeling using AI/ML methods to facilitate collaboration with computational and AI/ML functional teams Expertise in protein structure modeling and analysis (e.g. Schrodinger, MOE, pyMol, Chimera, etc.) Understanding of antibody and cytokine structure and function, including modulation of target binding and Fc‑based effector function is preferred. Experience with bi‑ or multi‑specific antibody or other complex therapeutic modalities is preferred. Sound understanding of protein expression/purification from mammalian systems is preferred. Hands on experience in HTP‑based binding assays (such as ELISA, SPR, MSD) or HTP‑biophysical techniques for screening antibody variants is preferred. The expected pay range for this position is $117,000 to $201,250. Benefits Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long‑term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance. Consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)). Long‑term incentive program. Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year (48 hours in Colorado, 56 hours in Washington) Holiday pay – 13 days per calendar year (including 3 floating holidays) Work, personal and family time – up to 40 hours per calendar year Parental leave – 480 hours within one year of birth/adoption/foster care of a child Bereavement leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member; 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year Caregiver leave – 80 hours in a 52‑week rolling period Volunteer leave – 32 hours per calendar year Military spouse time‑off – 80 hours per calendar year Johnson & Johnson is an 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, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please contact us via or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource. This job posting is anticipated to close on December 13, 2025. The Company may however extend this time‑period, in which case the posting will remain available on to accept additional applications. #J-18808-Ljbffr