Senior Scientist

Working with UsChallenging. 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 SummaryBMS 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 ResponsibilitiesIn 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 programsApply 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 systemsDesign and implement high-throughput automation workflows for cell engineering, reducing operational costs and shortening timelines while maintaining high-quality deliverablesDevelop novel cell-based SAR assays and mechanistic models supporting E3 ubiquitin ligase-mediated targeted protein degradation programs from hit-to-lead optimization through clinical advancementValidate 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 milestonesAdapt standard methods and develop new approaches, including large DNA fragment deletions, peptide-assisted editing, and inducible target protein degradation systemsIntegrate multi-platform data (Western blot, Luminex, Flow Cytometry) to drive research across medicinal chemistry and translational biology teamsLead 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 leadershipManage external molecular biology/NGS CROs and coordinate multi-site collaborations for high-priority discovery projectsContribute to continuous improvement initiatives including automation platform development, CRO consolidation, and OPEX reduction strategiesExperience = Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree7+ years of academic and / or industry experienceOrMaster’s Degree5+ years of academic and / or industry experienceOrPh.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences2+ of academic and / or industry experiencePreferred 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 experienceDemonstrated 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 programsProven track record of advancing discovery assets into clinical trials, including IND-enabling data package generation and validation of drug MOAExperience 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 systemsExperience with automation platforms and process optimization for cell engineering at scaleAbility to independently manage CRO relationships and external collaborations as scientific project leadExcellent communication and presentation skills, with experience authoring scientific manusc