Principal Scientist, R&D – Orthopedics & Spine, Growth Factors

About the role

Johnson & Johnson seeks a Principal Scientist to lead R&D on orthopedics and spine growth factor technologies, focusing on the Novosis portfolio and partnership with CG BIO. The role will be based in Raynham, MA (or West Chester, PA) and involves driving product development, technical collaborations, and evidence generation.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical liaison for the CG BIO partnership, guiding product launches and lifecycle management.
• Partner with CG BIO to optimize Novosis formulations, ensuring handling, release kinetics, and bioactivity meet global spine and trauma market needs.
• Translate surgeon user needs into technical specifications and lead concept development with robust pre‑clinical, clinical, regulatory, and reimbursement strategies.
• Develop training modules and educational materials for sales and marketing teams, and conduct peer‑to‑peer technical education with KOLs and surgeons.
• Collaborate with Medical Affairs, HEMA, and Clinical to design evidence generation strategies and support regulatory submissions worldwide.

Required profile

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Molecular Biology, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive R&D or technical leadership experience in medical devices, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals.
• Documented expertise in growth factors, osteoinductive materials, and carrier biomaterials (collagen sponges, synthetic putties, granules).
• Experience working in spine or orthopedic trauma environments with knowledge of surgical workflows and bone healing biology.
• Strong understanding of US biologics regulatory pathways (BLA, PMA, 510(k), HCT/P) and experience supporting submissions.

Required skills

• Growth factor science (e.g., rhBMP‑2)
• Biomaterials formulation and handling optimization
• Regulatory knowledge for biologics and combination products
• KOL engagement and surgeon education
• Evidence generation and scientific communication (white papers, publications)