Senior Principal Scientist, Neuropsychiatry Discovery

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 jnj.com As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world.  We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual.  At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit. Job Function: Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development Job Sub Function: Biological Research Job Category: Scientific/Technology All Job Posting Locations: San Diego, California, United States of America Job Description: The Neuropsychiatry Discovery department at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is recruiting for a Senior Principal Scientist, located in San Diego, CA, USA. 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. Our Neuroscience team tackles the world’s toughest brain health challenges including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, myasthenia gravis, epilepsy, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism. This patient-focused team helps address some of the most complex diseases of our time. 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 https://www.jnj.com/innovative-medicine We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative researcher to advance discovery initiatives and pipeline programs supporting the Johnson & Johnson Neuropsychiatry strategy. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and drug development for psychiatric diseases.

Serve as a recognized scientific expert, independently leading major portions of complex biological research projects aligned with the Johnson & Johnson Neuropsychiatry strategy. Partner cross-functionally to drive biology and biotechnology initiatives from strategy through execution and communication. Design, guide, and execute complex biochemical, cellular, molecular, and translational studies; interpret data; and communicate impact, recommendations, and risks. Ensure data integrity, documentation, laboratory safety, and compliance. Shape departmental scientific strategy by identifying emerging biology and translating insights into actionable project plans. Initiate and manage external collaborations with academic, CRO, and biotech partners. Engage the scientific community through presentations, publications, and other external contributions. Mentor junior colleagues and provide matrix supervision to build technical capability, rigor, and collaboration. Integrate Johnson & Johnson’s Credo and Leadership Imperatives into goals, decisions, and daily interactions.

PhD with 10+ years of experience in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field is required. Required experience and skills: Drug discovery and development experience, with strong knowledge of neuropharmacology and psychiatric disease biology. Broad expertise in molecular and cellular biology, in vitro cell culture systems, and functional assay development. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions and advance project objectives. Excellent collaboration, communication, and management skills to influence cross-functional stakeholders.