Senior Director, Reverse Translation, Oncology Translational Research

Johnson & Johnson

. Lead independent studies on high-priority mechanistic questions across the oncology therapeutic area .

Posted 10/1/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $196,000 - $342,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in oncology discovery and translational research, with a strong focus on mechanistic studies, combination strategies, and laboratory leadership. Proven ability to mentor scientists, drive impactful research publications, and collaborate effectively across medical and commercial teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD, MD, Or MD/PhD In Cancer Biology10+ Years Experience In Oncology DiscoveryOmics And Functional Characterization PlatformsStrong Publication RecordExperience Building And Leading Wet-Lab Teams

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanistic ResearchCombination StrategiesResistance DevelopmentTranslational ResearchClinical Observations To Lab HypothesesMultiomicsPerturbation BiologyOrganoid ModelsComputational Data IntegrationDesigning Resistance-Reversal Strategies

Soft Skills

MentoringScientific CommunicationLeadershipCollaborationCandid Scientific Debate

Industry Keywords

OncologyTranslational ResearchDiscoveryDisease-Focused ResearchHematologic IndicationsSolid TumorsLifecycle ManagementPortfolio PrioritiesMatrix CollaborationScientific Strategy

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead independent studies on high-priority mechanistic questions across the oncology therapeutic area
Prioritize disease-focused/cross-MOA, MOA-focused/cross-disease, and shelved-program questions
Develop findings into next-generation hypotheses and combination strategies that feed pipeline growth with Discovery
Prioritize and address active mechanistic questions from disease-area translational research leads across solid and hematologic indications
Lead laboratory-based research on program efficacy, failure, and resistance development
Design and test combination strategies to potentiate benefit and overcome resistance
Build and run the laboratory; consolidate disease-area scientists under one leader
Own omics, functional/perturbation biology, in vitro/in vivo, and organoid platforms
Serve on the Core Senior Leadership Team for Translational Research and contribute to organization-wide scientific strategy
Serve as the scientific link between reverse translation and Discovery
Collaborate with Medical Affairs and Commercial on lifecycle and portfolio priorities
Drive mechanism-driven translational-research publications, including the Mechanism Series
Mentor scientists and build a culture of rigor and candid scientific debate
Measure group success by impact on program and portfolio decisions

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in cancer biology, molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, or related field
10+ years of experience for Senior Director or 12+ years for Executive Director in oncology discovery or translational research, including hands-on lab leadership
Broad MOA/MOR expertise and a track record turning clinical observations into testable lab hypotheses
Experience building and leading wet-lab teams and running omics and functional-characterization platforms
Effectiveness at the Discovery–TR interface in a matrix across multiple disease areas
Strong publication record, including first/last-author publications, and clear scientific communication
Preferred: command of multiomics, perturbation biology, organoid models, and computational data integration
Preferred: experience mining shelved programs for portfolio-relevant learnings
Preferred: track record designing combination and resistance-reversal strategies across modalities
Preferred: experience partnering with Medical Affairs and Commercial on lifecycle-relevant science

Benefits

Comp & perks

Retirement plan (pension)
Savings plan (401(k))
Long-term incentive program
Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year; employees residing in Colorado – 48 hours; employees residing in Washington – 56 hours
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 the 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 accommodation support