Principal Scientist, External Animal Welfare & Regulatory Compliance Full-time NEW

Principal Scientist, External Animal Welfare & Regulatory Compliance

Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow. Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way.

We are searching for the best talent for Principal Scientist, External Animal Welfare & Regulatory Compliance in Spring House, PA. Remote work options may be considered on a case-by-case basis and if approved by the Company.

Purpose: The Principal Scientist, External Animal Welfare & Regulatory Compliance will provide global leadership and support for animal welfare review as part of due diligence processes and provide support for animal welfare assessments and clinical case management for externalized research. This role will serve as an effective champion for animal welfare and the 3Rs and will serve as a subject matter expert for animal welfare and laboratory animal medicine.

You will be responsible for:

• Support animal welfare and regulatory assessments of animal care practices during due diligence processes for potential research partnerships, acquisitions, or licensing opportunities.
• Conduct thorough evaluations of practices, policies, and compliance records of animal care programs at external organizations, business partners, and animal vendors.
• Assess alignment of third-party animal research programs with internal ethical standards and international regulatory frameworks (e.g., EU Directive 2010/63, USDA, AAALAC). Advise on the harmonization of animal welfare standards.
• Review historical and current in vivo studies including species, study types, and application of the 3Rs. Identify and pursue opportunities for 3Rs advancement.
• Review in vivo studies veterinary data and provide guidance on clinical case management for externalized research.
• Provide guidance to researchers and senior stakeholders to identify and resolve quality issues related to animal research activities and to mitigate compliance and reputational risk to the company.
• Identify potential risks related to non-compliance, reputational exposure, or regulatory concerns.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate the animal welfare assessment process.
• Assist in the continuous improvement of processes to manage external animal welfare & regulatory compliance activities.
• Benchmark industry practices to ensure alignment with best-in-class standards.
• Foster a Culture of Care that reflects excellence in laboratory animal medicine.

Qualifications / Requirements:

Education:

• A minimum of DVM/VMD or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited or recognized school of veterinary medicine.
• Currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine in at least one U.S. state.
• ACLAM Diplomate or Residency certificate from an accredited training program for Laboratory Animal Medicine. ACAW or other veterinary board specialties considered.

Skills/Experience:

Required:

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in animal-based research within pharma/biotech.
• Demonstrated expertise in clinical veterinary care, animal welfare, and 3Rs advancement.
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks (USDA, EU Directive 2010/63, GLPs) and AAALAC standards.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with a high level of diplomacy.
• Strong collaboration and professional relationship management capabilities.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive performance.
• Comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all organizational levels to communicate compliance expectations and address concerns/issues.
• Active participation in industry organizations and ongoing professional development.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Adept at working under time constraints and leading changing priorities to achieve results effectively.
• Must complete all annual training requirements.
• Must perform all work per appropriate safety standards. Ability to wear all Personal Protective Equipment required to perform work tasks.
• Applicable vaccinations may be required for entry and work within specific laboratory and vivarium spaces.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• The overall background of experience and education should be sufficient to allow performance of the job requirements listed.

Preferred:

• Hands-on nonclinical toxicology experience, including study design and data interpretation.
• Experience working with large, complex international teams.
• Background in project management and organizational change.

Other:

• Domestic and international travel required; up to 20%.
• Availability for off-core business hours meetings and work as needed.

This is an essential personnel role: Essential Personnel are defined as the staff who are required to report to their designated work location, to ensure the operation of essential functions or departments during an emergency, as determined by the Company, or when the business has suspended operations. There are some individuals who may be required to perform essential services remotely and those individuals will be identified in advance and notified by their supervisors, but in most cases Essential Personnel are required to be on-site during an emergency or suspension of operations.

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants' needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please contact us at https://www.jnj.com/contact-us/careers or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.