Senior Scientist

Working with Us
Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren’t words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You’ll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.

Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us.

The Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center at BMS is a fundamental Oncology research engine delivering oncology and hematology therapeutics to patients. The TRC has a major focus on exploiting BMS’ expertise in protein degradation to discover and develop therapies aimed at tumor intrinsic vulnerabilities and mechanisms of resistance to existing cancer therapeutics. This focus on protein degradation allows us to attack protein classes that were previously deemed undruggable. Our San Diego site is home to a dynamic, cross-functional discovery organization where genome engineering and cell biology platforms are central to advancing our clinical pipeline.

Position Summary

BMS is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead the genome engineering and cell line development platform within the Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center (TRC) in San Diego. The ideal candidate will apply expertise in CRISPR/Cas9, non-viral transposases, and lentiviral systems to generate disease models and SAR assay systems supporting E3 ubiquitin ligase and Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) programs. Responsibilities include designing automation workflows, validating drug MOA for IND filings, managing CRO collaborations, and providing cross-functional molecular biology strategy. A Ph.D. in Life Sciences with 2+ years of experience is required (Bachelor's with 7+ or Master's with 5+ also accepted), with preference for candidates who have 7+ years of post-doctoral experience in genome engineering, TPD assay development, and a record of advancing discovery assets into clinical trials.

Position Responsibilities

In the role as a Senior Scientist within Discovery Biology Department, the ideal candidate:

• Lead the genome engineering and cell line development platform, managing upstream cell line operations for diverse discovery groups across oncology and hematology programs

• Apply deep scientific expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 (KO/KI/Activation), non-viral transposases, and lentiviral systems to generate isogenic disease models, transgenic stable cell lines, and SAR assay systems

• Design and implement high-throughput automation workflows for cell engineering, reducing operational costs and shortening timelines while maintaining high-quality deliverables

• Develop novel cell-based SAR assays and mechanistic models supporting E3 ubiquitin ligase-mediated targeted protein degradation programs from hit-to-lead optimization through clinical advancement

• Validate drug mechanisms of action via target gene perturbation (CRISPR-KO, RNAi) and phenotypic assays, generating pivotal data packages in support of IND filings and clinical trial milestones

• Adapt standard methods and develop new approaches, including large DNA fragment deletions, peptide-assisted editing, and inducible target protein degradation systems

• Integrate multi-platform data (Western blot, Luminex, Flow Cytometry) to drive research across medicinal chemistry and translational biology teams

• Lead multidisciplinary scientific discussions and present data clearly at team and cross-functional meetings; contribute to external conference presentations (e.g., ASH)

• Represent the genome engineering function on program/project teams and sub-teams; provide molecular biology strategy and experimental guidance to peer scientists and leadership

• Manage external molecular biology/NGS CROs and coordinate multi-site collaborations for high-priority discovery projects

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives including automation platform development, CRO consolidation, and OPEX reduction strategies

Experience =

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree

  • 7+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Or

• Master’s Degree

  • 5+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Or

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences

  • 2+ of academic and / or industry experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Cellular and Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related Life Sciences discipline, with 7+ years of post-doctoral academic and/or industry experience

• Demonstrated expertise in CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering (knockouts, knock-ins, transcriptional activation) and non-viral gene integration systems (e.g., transposase-mediated)

• Hands-on experience in Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD), including E3 ubiquitin ligase biology, HiBiT/NanoBiT-based assay development, and degrader SAR programs

• Proven track record of advancing discovery assets into clinical trials, including IND-enabling data package generation and validation of drug MOA

• Experience generating isogenic disease models for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors (e.g., AML, hematologic cancers)

• Strong proficiency in cell-based assay development and high-throughput screening, including pooled CRISPR library screens and multi-functional assay systems

• Experience with automation platforms and process optimization for cell engineering at scale

• Ability to independently manage CRO relationships and external collaborations as scientific project lead

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience authoring scientific manuscripts and contributing to conference presentations

• Ability to work cross-functionally with medicinal chemistry, translational biology, and legal/IP teams

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals in relevant fields (oncology, hematology, genome engineering) preferred

#LI-Onsite

If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn’t perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.

San Diego - CA - US: $131,590 - $159,454


The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee’s work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience. 

Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit https://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.
 

Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:

• Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.

• Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

• Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.

​Work-life benefits include:

Paid Time Off

• US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees)

• Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays

Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.

All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.

*Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.

Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as “Transforming patients’ lives through science™ ”, every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.

On-site Protocol

BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:

Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.

Supporting People with Disabilities

BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to [email protected]. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

Candidate Rights

BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.

If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information: https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/

Data Protection

We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection.

Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.

If you believe that the job posting is missing information required by local law or incorrect in any way, please contact BMS at [email protected]. Please provide the Job Title and Requisition number so we can review. Communications related to your application should not be sent to this email and you will not receive a response. Inquiries related to the status of your application should be directed to Chat with Ripley.

R1603571 : Senior Scientist