Executive Director, Head of Cell Line & Cell Culture Development

Johnson & Johnson

Executive Director responsible for global strategy and scientific leadership in cell line and cell culture development at Johnson & Johnson. Ensuring robust and compliant processes for protein therapeutics portfolio.

Posted 7/1/2026full-timeMalvern • Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and own the global strategy to build, deploy, and continuously advance world-class cell line, media, and cell culture platforms
Ensure development approaches and work packages are fit-for-stage, platform-aligned, and positioned to enable rapid clinical progression
Provide senior scientific leadership across cell line generation, clone selection, media and feed strategy, upstream process optimization, scale-up, and process characterization
Ensure on quality, on time, and on budget cell line development and cell culture development in support of integrated CMC plans
Partner with Biologics Discovery Process Research and CMC program leadership to align scope, timelines, resources, and risk postures
Support technology transfer and GMP manufacturing readiness, including troubleshooting, deviation support, and continuous process improvement
Own cell line and cell culture-related regulatory strategy, ensuring phase-appropriate content for IND, BLA, and global submissions
Build, lead, and develop a high-performing organization, including senior leaders and technical experts.

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related scientific discipline
10+ years of experience in biologics CMC with deep expertise in mammalian cell line development and cell culture process development
Demonstrated leadership at Senior Director or Executive Director level within large pharma or advanced biotech organizations
Proven track record delivering upstream processes through clinical development and GMP manufacturing
Strong experience working within matrixed, global organizations and with external manufacturing partners
Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively within enterprise governance models.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Inclusive work environment
Professional development opportunities
Employee Health Support Center for accommodations

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Cell Line GenerationClone SelectionUpstream Process OptimizationProcess CharacterizationQuality AssuranceClinical DevelopmentTechnology TransferContinuous Process ImprovementRegulatory StrategyBiologics CMC

Soft Skills

Influencing Senior StakeholdersCollaboration In Matrixed Organizations