Principal Scientist, R&D – Orthopedics & Spine, Growth Factors
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine
Summary
Fueled by innovation at the intersection of biology and technology, we’re developing the next generation of smarter, less invasive, more personalized treatments. Our Orthopaedics teams help keep more than 6 million people moving each year while delivering clinical and economic value to surgeons and healthcare systems.
Job description
About Orthopaedics
Fueled by innovation at the intersection of biology and technology, we’re developing the next generation of smarter, less invasive, more personalized treatments. Our Orthopaedics teams help keep more than 6 million people moving each year while delivering clinical and economic value to surgeons and healthcare systems.
Purpose
As a global leader in orthopedic medical devices, we are committed to advancing patient care through innovative biologics and regenerative solutions. We are seeking a highly specialized Principal Scientist to support our partnership with CG BIO, focusing on the commercialization and expansion of the Novosis portfolio. In this pivotal R&D role, you will be the resident subject matter expert on growth factors combined with bone graft substitutes. You will lead the technical collaboration to successfully introduce Novosis putty for spine indications, as well as explore optimal form factors/formulations for other indications.
Product Development & Partnership Management
- Serve as the primary subject matter expert and technical point of contact for the CG BIO partnership, leading activities and technical decisions between external R&D teams and internal DePuy Synthes teams for initial global launches as well as during product lifecycle management.
- Partner with CG BIO on technical initiatives to optimize and improve Novosis formulations and procedural kits, ensuring handling characteristics, release kinetics, and bioactivity meet the demands of the global spine and trauma markets.
- Translate user needs from orthopedic and neurosurgeons into actionable technical specifications for concepts in the CG BIO innovation pipeline.
- Lead brainstorming and technical collaborations with CG BIO to develop the highest priority concepts with robust development, pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory and reimbursement strategies.
Surgeon Education & Commercial Support
- Act as the primary subject matter expert on rhBMP-2 and advanced bone graft substitutes for internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Develop comprehensive technical training modules and educational materials for the global sales force and marketing teams.
- Engage directly with KOLs, spine surgeons, and trauma specialists to conduct peer-to-peer technical education, lead surgical training labs, and gather customer feedback.
- Present at global technical conferences to educate the industry on the value of Novosis technology.
Evidence Generation & Dissemination
- Partner with Medical Affairs, Health Economics & Market Access (HEMA) and Clinical to design and execute robust evidence generation strategies to substantiate product efficacy and support regulatory submissions globally.
- Analyze complex biochemical and biomechanical data to create compelling marketing collateral that differentiates the Novosis portfolio.
- Author white papers, scientific publications, and technical reports to establish a strong clinical foundation for growth factor technologies.
Requirements
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master of Science) in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Molecular Biology, or a closely related highly technical discipline.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressive R&D or technical leadership experience within the medical device, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals sector.
- Documented expertise in growth factors and osteoinductive materials.
- Experience working directly within the spine or orthopedic trauma spaces, with an understanding of surgical workflows, fusion criteria, and bone healing biology.
- Proven track record of working with carrier materials (collagen sponges, synthetic putties, granules) and improving handling characteristics or pharmacokinetic release profiles.
- Demonstrated success in educating and partnering with surgeons.
- Strong working knowledge of the US regulatory landscape for biologics and combination products (BLA, PMA, 510(k), HCT/P) with experience supporting regulatory submissions to the FDA.
- Prior experience managing external R&D partnerships, international partnerships, or technology transfers.
- Previous track record of launching a novel biologic or combination product into the US orthopedic market.
- Experience supporting successful regulatory clearances/approvals in the US, EMEA or APAC.
- Strong business acumen with experience in voice of customer interviews, business case creation, regulatory strategy, pre-clinical models, clinical trials and project management.
Benefits
- 401(k) Matching
- Pension Plan
- Long-Term Incentive
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Sick Time
- Paid Holidays
- Floating Holidays
- Parental Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- Caregiver Leave
- Volunteer Leave
- Military Spouse Time-Off
Company overview
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is the pharmaceutical division of Johnson & Johnson, leading the way in medical innovation with a relentless focus on bringing transformational treatments to patients worldwide. The company applies rigorous science and compassion to address the most complex diseases of our time, developing groundbreaking medicines across key therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiopulmonary medicine. With deep expertise and global reach, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine reimagines how devastating diseases are treated and cured, delivering hope and better care for millions of patients and their families. The organization pioneers the path from laboratory research to clinical application, championing patients every step of the way while maintaining an unwavering commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centered innovation.