We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow with extensive training in molecular and computational biology. In this unique opportunity, you will be co-mentored by an academic scientist, Dr. Kate Fitzgerald, and a Janssen Discovery Immunologist, while based at Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, PA.

Dr. Kate Fitzgerald is Professor of Medicine and Director of the Program in Innate Immunity at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Her research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling the inflammatory response and has defined how inappropriate activation of innate immunity underlies the pathogenesis of infectious, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Most recently, her group has pioneered new studies to identify and characterize immune-regulated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA).  

Exciting progress in this area has identified that lncRNAs act as critical regulators of the development or activation of immune cells. At their core, these studies explore fundamental aspects of the inflammatory response and are collectively geared towards understanding the mechanisms enabling host discrimination of pathogens from harmless microbes and endogenous molecules. At Janssen, we will marry these approaches with the analysis of large clinical datasets with the goal to reveal underlying mechanisms of autoimmune disease pathogenesis.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

• Utilize functional genomics approaches to identify and interrogate novel targets of autoimmune disease.
• Develop and implement computational algorithms integrating multiple data sources to prioritize novel disease-related targets.
• Utilize immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics to interrogate disease-related lncRNA targets.
• Interact with internal partners including Discovery, Non-Clinical Biostatistics, and Translational Science within the Immunology Therapeutic Area.
• Interact with academic partners, including members of the Fitzgerald laboratory.
• Facilitate the development of internal functional genomics capabilities within Discovery.
• Assist in the continued development of an R Shiny application to allow non-comptational scientists to interrogate lncRNA targets.
• Represent the company to the academic community in the form of publications and/or meeting presentations.
• Work closely at the bench with Janssen Discovery scientists.

• PhD in molecular biology, computational biology, immunology or related discipline.
• Proven wet-lab and computational experience in the form of scientific productivity reflected by publication(s).
• Proficiency with molecular biology techniques, in particular, RNA expertise is essential.
• Proficiency with R and/or Python and working experience in Unix/Linux environment is required.
• Experience analyzing NGS data (DNA-Seq, RNA-Seq) or Mass Spectrometry data is required.
• Essential functions include the demonstration of oral, written and interpersonal skills.  
• Ability to work well in a quick paced, highly matrixed, interactive environment is vital.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Push the boundaries of science to transform health—and your career.

Join us and advance life-changing treatments for people who need them most. At Johnson & Johnson, our focus is on improving global health equity and developing MedTech and pharmaceutical innovations that impact the future of health. Using AI and robotics to transform surgery or helping data scientists and clinicians formulate new ways to diagnose and treat disease, this work may sound like sci-fi, but it’s all science, all real, and could be your career. Whatever your background, skills, or career goals, there’s a place for you to help solve some of the world’s most pressing health challenges with us.

Accelerate your career while changing the world.

Each of our broadly-based family of companies offers an inclusive and empowering culture and employee benefits (like paid time off to volunteer, transgender-inclusive and same-sex partner health insurance coverage, and more) designed to help you live your best life, however you define it. And our best-in-class learning and development approaches, mentorship, and access to innovators across the world will help you grow your skills and reach your career goals. Because when you're at your best, nothing stands between you and your next breakthrough.