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, including biomarker development and analysis of complex datasets. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD Or MD/PhD In ImmunologyTranslational Medicine Strategy DevelopmentBiomarker Strategy ExecutionCross-Functional LeadershipComplex Dataset Interpretation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Translational Strategy DevelopmentBiomarker DevelopmentPharmacodynamicsPatient StratificationAssay DevelopmentData AnalysisClinical Study ProtocolsRegulatory SubmissionsEvidence Requirements DefinitionImmunology Knowledge

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsInfluencing Without AuthorityPrioritizationCollaborationMentoring

Industry Keywords

ImmunologyTranslational MedicineDrug DiscoveryClinical DevelopmentBiostatisticsClinical PharmacologyCRO CollaborationMultimodal DatasetsRegulatory ComplianceEvidence Reuse

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own end-to-end translational strategy for assigned immunology assets
Develop integrated translational plans connecting disease biology, therapeutic mechanism, pharmacology, biomarkers, clinical endpoints, and program decisions
Define evidence requirements, decision criteria, timelines, dependencies, risks, and mitigation options
Lead precision medicine strategies for disease segmentation, patient stratification, response/non-response, and biomarker endpoints
Define biomarker strategies for target engagement, pharmacodynamic activity, proof of biology, dosing, 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 teams and governance bodies
Support target validation, indication prioritization, back-translation, lifecycle strategy, and evidence reuse
Establish collaborations with academic investigators, consortia, CROs, technology providers, and external experts
Author or provide input to translational plans, protocols, regulatory submissions, clinical study reports, abstracts, manuscripts, and governance presentations
Mentor scientists and study leads and contribute to functional strategy, standards, and emerging technology adoption

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
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
Success leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing decisions without direct authority in a matrixed environment
Experience interpreting complex translational datasets and partnering with quantitative scientists
Understanding of fit-for-purpose assay development, validation, clinical implementation, sample and data flows, and external laboratory or research partnerships
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to prioritize across multiple programs, operate amid ambiguity, and deliver high-quality work against demanding timelines

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 employees; 56 hours for Washington employees
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