Principal Scientist, Cancer Immunology Discovery Biology

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 Oncology Thematic Research Center at BMS is a key research engine, responsible for the discovery of novel oncology therapeutics for patients with cancer. Centered at our state-of-the-art research sites in Cambridge and Seattle, scientists focus on novel targets and pathways for tumors that are refractory to current therapies. With a deep understanding of the causal human biology, we are able to leverage our multiple modality platforms to best match the modality to the mechanism and desired outcome. We are a fully integrated drug discovery and translational organization which exploits state-of-the-art in vitro, in vivo and ex-vivo models of cancer biology and Immuno-oncology to identify and validate targets. We partner closely with colleagues in Translational Medicine, Informatics and Predictive Sciences and Early Clinical Development to generate biomarker and patient enrichment hypotheses to enable efficient decision making in early clinical trials. We are optimally positioned to complement the world-class translational expertise, biology and leading academic research centers in the area.

Our Bristol Myers Squibb research site in Cambridge Crossing will help us continue to deliver on our mission, positioning the company and our scientists in the heart of a vibrant ecosystem of world-class science, innovation, and business opportunities.”

Position Summary:

We are seeking an innovative and independent lab-based scientist with extensive experience independently designing and conducting experiments to further the discovery and characterization of novel, multi-specific antibody immune-oncology assets. The successful candidate will join the Cancer Immunology Discovery Biology Team within the Oncology Thematic Research Center at Bristol Myers Squibb in Cambridge, MA.

This individual will be dedicated to designing and executing experimental studies related to the decisional progress of our cancer immunology programs throughout the portfolio from early stages, including target validation and prioritization, to lead discovery and characterization, and ultimately IND filling. The candidate will also lead design and development cellular assays to explore target biology, enable compound triaging, assess target engagement, and probe mode of action characterization of antibody therapeutics. The individual will work collaboratively with other functions, such as informatics and predictive science, lead discovery and optimization, in vivo pharmacology, and translational research teams to design/execute work related to patient stratification, identification of appropriate PD markers and assay development/transfer for miniaturization, among others.

Position Responsibilities:

In the role as a Principal Scientist within Cancer Immunology Discovery Biology, the ideal candidate will:

• Apply extensive technical knowledge to leverage current and new techniques to design and implement studies critical to drive hypothesis-driven research with complex antibody therapeutics.
• Independently design, troubleshoot, execute, and interpret cutting edge in vitro and ex vivo experiments with multi-specific antibody therapeutics
• Development assays to explore target biology, enable large molecule triaging, and probe mode of action of complex biologics including multi-specific antibodies.
• Perform laboratory work related but not limited to tissue culture, multi-parametric flow cytometry, western blot, immune cell culture using activation/expansion/exhaustion assays, proliferation and tumor killing assays, 2D/3D co-culture activity assays, ELISA, Luminex, processing of DNA/RNA/protein.
• Maintain accurate and detailed record-keeping.
• Collaborate across highly matrixed, cross functional, cancer immunology discovery teams from target concept to IND and lead and participate in activities of a biology team supporting in vitro and ex vivo experimentation.
• Utilize excellent communication and interpersonal skills to drive effective collaboration and align with key stakeholders.

Experience =

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
  • 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Or

• Master’s Degree
  • 6+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Or

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences
  • 4+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences.
• 4+ years of academic and / or industry experience Deep experience in the discovery and development of complex biologics, such as bispecific antibodies, ADCs, or immune cell engagers.
• Extensive hands-on experience contributing to complex biologics lead discovery and characterization as well as IND-enabling studies, including data generation, interpretation, and document writing.
• In depth understanding of immunology, with demonstrated expertise in T cell-based in vitro assays.
• Demonstrated scientific curiosity, resilience, and a strong drive to solve complex biological problems through innovative thinking.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects across internal and external collaborators.
• Demonstrated ability to generate, analyse, interpret, and clearly communicate complex scientific data.
• Strong oral and written communication skills tailored to both scientific and cross-functional audiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply scientific principles to address complex research challenges.
• Experienced in the design, development and optimization of moderate to high-throughput cell-based assays and the culture of primary cells and cancer cell lines.
• Extensive knowledge of flow cytometry (BD, Cytek Aurora, iQue).
• Experience with automation systems (TECAN, Integra, etc.).
• Experience with expression modulation tools (overexpression, CRISPRs, RNAi, etc.).
• Experience with imaging platforms (Incucyte, Opera Phenix etc.).
• Familiar with data mining with published data platforms (DepMap, TCGA, GTEx, GEO, etc.).

#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.

Compensation Overview:

Cambridge Crossing: $156,180 - $189,252 


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 then in effect and may include the following: Medical, pharmacy, dental and vision care. Wellbeing support such as the BMS Living Life Better program and employee assistance programs (EAP). Financial well-being resources and a 401(K). Financial protection benefits such as short- and long-term disability, life insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection and survivor support. Work-life programs include paid national holidays and optional holidays, Global Shutdown Days between Christmas and New Year’s holiday, up to 120 hours of paid vacation, up to two (2) paid days to volunteer, sick time off, and summer hours flexibility. Parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military leave. Family care services such as adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, fertility/infertility benefits, support for traveling mothers, and child, elder and pet care resources. Other perks like tuition reimbursement and a recognition 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.

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 adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

BMS cares about your well-being and the well-being of our staff, customers, patients, and communities. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that all employees be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and keep up to date with Covid-19 boosters.

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/

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