Senior Principal Investigator, Physical AI – Autonomous Discovery

Johnson & Johnson

. Lead the hands-on design, development, and validation of AI models representing instruments, samples, reagents, robotic systems, workflows, and laboratory state .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $137,000 - $235,750 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in developing and deploying AI models and systems, with a strong focus on experimental optimization methods and autonomous decision-making. Proficient in translating scientific needs into technical solutions while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In Artificial IntelligenceReinforcement LearningBayesian OptimizationPython ProgrammingExperimental Software Design

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

AI Model DevelopmentAdaptive Experimental OptimizationAnomaly RecognitionCausal InferenceMultimodal AIScientific Machine LearningRoboticsTechnical Requirements TranslationWorkflow ReplanningTestable Hypothesis Generation

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsCollaboration SkillsInfluence SkillsMentoring SkillsProblem-Solving Skills

Tools & Technologies

Modern Machine-Learning FrameworksAutomation ToolsData Science ToolsRobotic SystemsExperimental Software

Industry Keywords

Physical AIAutonomous DiscoveryDesign-Make-Test-Analyze CyclesScientific Best PracticesMatrix Environment

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the hands-on design, development, and validation of AI models representing instruments, samples, reagents, robotic systems, workflows, and laboratory state
Develop and evaluate adaptive experimental optimization methods using active learning, Bayesian optimization, reinforcement learning, and multi-objective optimization
Implement physical error detection and correction, including anomaly recognition, root-cause assessment, workflow replanning, recovery actions, and human escalation
Build models that generate testable hypotheses for experimental failures, unexpected results, variability, and irreproducibility
Recommend discriminating follow-up experiments
Develop agentic and multi-agent capabilities supporting experiment planning and execution monitoring across Design-Make-Test-Analyze cycles
Translate scientific and operational needs into technical requirements, prototypes, and production-ready capabilities
Partner with automation, robotics, data science, engineering, and discovery scientists
Provide technical guidance and establish scientific best practices
Mentor colleagues without formal people-management responsibility
Embed uncertainty, safety constraints, monitoring, traceability, and governance into autonomous decision-making
Escalate strategic tradeoffs to the Director as appropriate
Report to the Director, Physical AI for Autonomous Discovery
Partner with J&J IT and Data, Data Science & AI, automation, and scientific teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, computer science, engineering, computational biology, or a related quantitative field
Substantial relevant research or industry experience
Track record of independently developing and deploying AI systems in physical, scientific, or similarly complex environments
Deep expertise in multiple relevant areas, such as world models, reinforcement learning, Bayesian optimization, causal inference, multimodal AI, robotics, or scientific machine learning
Advanced software-development skills, including Python, modern machine-learning frameworks, experimental software design, testing, and reproducible deployment practices
Ability to define technical workstreams, solve ambiguous scientific problems, and deliver robust solutions with limited day-to-day direction
Strong communication, collaboration, and influence skills for working effectively across multidisciplinary teams in a matrix environment
May require travel as needed

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual performance bonus
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Business accident insurance
Group legal insurance
Company pension plan
401(k) savings plan
Vacation – up to 120 hours per calendar year
Sick time – up to 40 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