Principal Scientist – Translational Science Program Lead, Immunology

Johnson & Johnson

. Own end-to-end translational strategy for assigned Immunology assets .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $117,000 - $201,250 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing translational strategies in Immunology, with a strong focus on biomarker strategies, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. Proven ability to lead initiatives, mentor teams, and communicate complex scientific concepts effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD Or MD/PhD In ImmunologyTranslational Medicine Strategy DevelopmentBiomarker Strategy ExecutionCross-Functional LeadershipData Analysis And Interpretation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Translational Strategy DevelopmentBiomarker StrategyData AnalysisAssay DevelopmentPharmacodynamicsPatient StratificationImmunology KnowledgeClinical DevelopmentMultimodal Data IntegrationRegulatory Submissions

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsMentoringPrioritizationCollaborationInfluencing Without Authority

Industry Keywords

Pharmaceutical Industry ExperienceBiotechnology ExperiencePrecision MedicineAutoantibody-Mediated DiseaseRheumatologyClinical PharmacologyTranslational ScienceClinical OperationsData ScienceBiostatistics

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own end-to-end translational strategy for assigned Immunology assets
Develop integrated, stage-appropriate translational plans linking disease biology, therapeutic mechanism, pharmacology, biomarkers, clinical endpoints, and program decisions
Anticipate evidence needs, critical questions, decision criteria, timelines, dependencies, risks, and mitigation options
Lead precision-medicine strategy for disease segmentation, patient stratification or selection, response and non-response, and biomarker endpoints
Define biomarker strategies for target engagement, pharmacodynamic activity, proof of biology, dose and regimen selection, disease heterogeneity, efficacy, safety, and differentiation
Represent Translational Science on discovery and clinical development teams
Align Discovery, Clinical Development, Translational Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology, Data Science, Biostatistics, Diagnostics, Regulatory, Clinical Operations, Commercial, and other partners
Translate strategy into assays, sampling plans, analysis plans, data-delivery timelines, budgets, and contingency plans
Lead analysis and interpretation of preclinical, clinical, transcriptomic, genomic, proteomic, cellular, tissue, and other multimodal datasets
Communicate evidence, uncertainty, trade-offs, risks, mitigation plans, and recommendations to project teams and governance bodies
Use human data and biospecimens for target validation, indication prioritization, back-translation, lifecycle strategy, and evidence reuse
Establish and direct collaborations with academic investigators, consortia, contract research organizations, technology providers, and external experts
Author or provide strategic input to translational plans, protocols, analysis plans, investigator’s brochures, INDs, regulatory submissions, clinical study reports, abstracts, manuscripts, and governance presentations
Mentor scientists and study leads, contribute to functional strategy and standards, and identify emerging technologies including responsible AI and advanced analytics

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD or MD/PhD in immunology, translational medicine, molecular or cellular biology, pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline
At least 5 years of relevant post-degree experience
Substantial pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience strongly preferred
Experience developing and executing translational or clinical biomarker strategies for drug discovery or development programs
Strong knowledge of immunology and immune-mediated disease biology
Experience with target engagement, pharmacodynamics, proof of biology, patient stratification or selection, disease activity, dose selection, and treatment-response assessment biomarkers
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing decisions without direct authority in a matrixed environment
Experience interpreting complex translational datasets and partnering with quantitative scientists on rigorous analyses
Understanding of fit-for-purpose assay development, validation, clinical implementation, sample and data flows, and external laboratories or research partners
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to prioritize across multiple programs, operate amid ambiguity, and deliver high-quality work against demanding timelines
Expertise in rheumatology, autoantibody-mediated disease, B-cell or plasma-cell biology, immune reset, or a related Immunology area preferred
Experience supporting programs from late discovery or candidate selection through clinical development preferred
Experience integrating tissue, peripheral blood, single-cell, flow cytometry, transcriptomic, proteomic, or other multimodal data preferred
Experience with precision-medicine, diagnostic, or companion-diagnostic strategies and regulatory considerations preferred
Experience contributing to regulatory interactions or authoring translational content preferred
Scientific impact through publications, presentations, patents, external partnerships, or innovative technologies preferred
Experience mentoring scientists or leading matrixed translational teams preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Consolidated retirement plan (pension)
Savings plan (401(k))
Long-term incentive program
Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year; 48 hours for Colorado residents; 56 hours for Washington residents
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – 13 days per calendar year
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
Inclusive interview process and disability accommodations