Johnson & Johnson

Scientist, Discovery Pharmaceutics

Johnson & Johnson$76K — $121K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Analytical Sciences, or related field required.
  • Minimum 1 year of hands-on industry lab experience in formulation, preformulation, or analytical testing.
  • Experience with HPLC/UPLC methods for drug substance and formulation analysis.
  • Ability to generate reproducible data and troubleshoot laboratory issues with guidance.
  • Strong attention to detail and data quality documentation.
  • Basic proficiency with digital tools for data capture and analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct laboratory experiments and interpret results to support Discovery programs.
  • Maintain technical documentation and electronic lab notebooks in compliance with quality standards.
  • Identify and troubleshoot experimental issues proactively.
  • Utilize digital tools and data analytics to enhance data interpretation for Decision-making.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Short and long-term disability insurance.
  • Generous time-off policies including personal, vacation, and parental leave.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Annual performance bonus based on individual and company performance.
Full Job Description

Job Function:

Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development

Job Sub Function:

Pharmaceutical Product R&D

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

San Diego, California, United States of America

Job Description:

We are searching for the best talent for a Scientist, Discovery Pharmaceutics located in La Jolla, CA.

Purpose:
This laboratory-based role is focused on generating high-quality data to support Discovery programs across our synthetic portfolio, including small molecules, degraders, peptides, and oligonucleotides. In this position, you will design and complete experiments, provide technical insight to Discovery teams to inform molecular design and drug delivery strategies, and support the identification and selection of appropriate solid-state forms of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

You will also develop and manufacture conventional and enabling formulations to support pharmacology, pharmacokinetic, and toxicology studies. The successful candidate will thrive in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment and make significant contributions to innovative drug discovery programs.

You will be responsible for:

  • Conduct routine and non-routine laboratory experiments, interpret data, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
  • Contribute to technical documentation and reports and maintain electronic laboratory notebooks in compliance with internal policies and quality standards.
  • Proactively identify, investigate, and troubleshoot issues related to data quality, experimental procedures, or instrumentation.
  • Leverage digital tools, data analytics, and computational approaches to enhance interpretation of experimental data, improve developability assessments, and accelerate decision-making in Discovery programs.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners.

Qualifications / Requirements:

Education:

  • Minimum of a B.S. degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Analytical Sciences, or a related discipline is required

Required:

  • Minimum 1 year of hands-on industry laboratory experience in formulation, preformulation, analytical testing, physicochemical characterization, or a related pharmaceutical sciences area.
  • Hands-on experience with HPLC/UPLC methods for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of drug substances and formulations.
  • Ability to execute assigned laboratory studies using established procedures, generate reproducible data, and identify routine technical issues with appropriate guidance
  • Ability to learn quickly, follow prescribed guidelines, and contribute to straightforward research tasks within a collaborative, matrixed team environment.
  • Strong attention to detail, commitment to data quality, and ability to accurately document and communicate experimental results within the immediate team.
  • Ability to conduct hands-on laboratory work safely and in compliance with internal standards, procedures, and documentation expectations.
  • Basic proficiency with digital tools for data capture, analysis, visualization, and electronic laboratory notebook documentation.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across functions.

Preferred:

  • Experience designing, manufacturing, and characterizing amorphous solid dispersions.
  • Hands-on experience conducting small-scale crystalline form identification screens and using characterization techniques such as PXRD, DSC, TGA, and polarized light microscopy.
  • Fundamental understanding of pharmaceutical science and preformulation, physicochemical properties.
  • Scientific curiosity, accountability, and adaptability, with the ability to navigate evolving scientific challenges with initiative, leadership, and a strong drive to deliver results.

The anticipated base pay range for this position in the US is $76,000 to $121,000.



The Company maintains highly competitive, performance-based compensation programs. Under current guidelines, this position is eligible for an annual performance bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan. The annual performance bonus is a cash bonus intended to provide an incentive to achieve annual targeted results by rewarding for individual and the corporation’s performance over a calendar/performance year. Bonuses are awarded at the Company’s discretion on an individual basis.

Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees and/or eligible dependents are eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance.

Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).

Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, employees are eligible for the following time off benefits:

  • Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
  • Sick time - Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington – 56 hours per calendar year
  • 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
  • Condolence Leave – 30 days for an immediate family member: 5 days for an extended family member
  • Caregiver Leave – 10 days
  • Volunteer Leave – 4 days
  • Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours

For additional general information on company benefits, please go to:
 

This job posting is anticipated to close on June 30, 2026.  The Company may however extend this time-period, in which case the posting will remain available on to accept additional applications.

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About Johnson & Johnson

Scio Diamond creates single-crystal Type IIa diamonds for the jewelry market and for industrial applications. It employs a patent-protected chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process in a precisely controlled laboratory setting to produce diamonds. It was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina.

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Learn more about Johnson & Johnson
Size
141,700 employees
Market Cap
$462.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$14.7 billion
Founded
1886
5 Year Trend
+5.5%
Revenue
$82.5 billion
NASDAQ

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