Senior Scientist in Discovery Bioanalysis at Johnson & Johnson IM

May 13, 2025

Don Davis, PhD, is a Senior Scientist in Discovery Bioanalysis at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. He uses mass spectrometry to explore how new drug candidates behave in biological systems. His work supports early-stage/discovery research by generating the data needed to move potential medicines forward.

What is the highest degree you have earned and what can you tell us about your academic path?

I earned a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from John McLean’s lab at Vanderbilt University. My academic journey was shaped by a deep curiosity for how things work at the molecular level, analytically. I gravitated toward LC-ion mobility-mass spectrometry because it allowed me to blend technical expertise with real-world problem solving.

Where do you work now and what is your company about?

I work at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. We're driven by a mission to transform patients' lives through breakthrough science. My group supports drug discovery by providing analytical insights that span a variety of therapeutic areas-from oncology to immunology and neuroscience.

How did you first learn about the company?

I knew J&J as a household name, but I learned about the depth of its research portfolio through professional connections, especially through SMDP and colleagues in the pharma space. That's when I realized it was a place where I could do meaningful, cutting-edge work.

What do you like most about the company?

The scope and depth of the portfolio. I get to work across multiple therapeutic areas, applying my analytical skills to a range of diseases and research questions. It keeps my work fresh, challenging, and impactful. No two days are the same.

What skills make you successful in your role and why did you choose this role?

I rely on strong analytical thinking, scientific rigor, and the ability to communicate complex data clearly. I chose this role because it allows me to stay hands-on in the lab while contributing to something larger than myself (improving patient outcomes).

How do you define success?

Success is using your talents to make a meaningful impact, lifting others as you grow, and staying true to your values along the way.

What's the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

Knowing that the data I generate could play a role in bringing a life-changing therapy to someone who needs it. Also, being able to mentor younger scientists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds-that's deeply fulfilling.

What advice do you have for students and job seekers?

Be proactive. Reach out, build your network, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Own your unique background because it's a strength. Stay curious and open to where the journey might lead.

What book did you read last?

The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman. It offers daily reflections rooted in ancient philosophy that help me stay grounded and intentional, both in science and in life.