Principal Scientist, RNA Synthesis Process Sciences

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.Position SummaryThe Principal Scientist, RNA Synthesis Process Sciences role plays a central part in collaborating with research and manufacturing to define early process conditions and scale down process development. By combining deep scientific expertise with enabling technologies and strong cross-functional partnerships, RNA Process Development delivers transformative innovation across the pipeline.The Principal Scientist is a scientific leader responsible for driving RNA drug substance synthesis and circularization strategies, influencing cross-functional decisions, and delivering high-impact outcomes across increasingly diverse portfolio.The Principal Scientist provides scientific leadership for drug substance programs spanning preclinical to early stage development across circular and linear mRNA modalities. This role encompasses hands-on and technical leadership contributions by driving sound experimental execution and establishing linkages from a research concept to manufacturing implementation. The candidate should be driven by developing and characterizing RNA synthesis processes for improving the yield, quality and robustness.Key ResponsibilitiesScientific LeadershipLead RNA synthesis process research for drug substance programs across a portfolio that may include circular RNA and mRNA, spanning preclinical to early-stage development.Provide strategic oversight of reaction design, process development, and manufacturability, while contributing hands-on scientific input where needed to resolve critical technical challenges.Apply high throughput. data drive approaches to assess and mitigate risks, defining mitigation strategies and making critical scientific recommendations at key program milestonesRepresent drug substance development strategies in cross-functional CMC teams, ensuring alignment across research, analytical development, engineering, regulatory affairs, and supply chainPeople Leadership & Talent DevelopmentSet clear priorities and objectives for Synthesis Process Sciences in alignment with portfolio goals and RNA PD’s broader organizational strategyMentor and develop scientists across RNA SPS, contributing to a culture of scientific excellence and continuous learningFoster an inclusive, high-performance team environment built on psychological safety, accountability, and collaborationInnovation & Organizational ContributionPropose and lead departmental initiatives that improve scientific workflows, sustainability practices, and operational efficiencyBuild and maintain collaborative relationships with external academic institutions and industry partners to accelerate scientific advancementRepresent capabilities at internal reviews, scientific conferences, and through peer-reviewed publicationsCross-Functional CollaborationServe as a key scientific voice in cross-functional CMC teams and broader enterprise forumsPartner with functional areas - including research, analytical development, engineering, and drug product developmentCollaborate with organization leadership to drive strategic alignment across the portfolioQualifications & ExperienceDegree in Bio/Chemical Engineering, Bio/Chemistry, or related field MS with 8+ years’ or PhD with 3+ years’ experience in science related disciplinesExpertise with in vitro transcription, enzymatic reactions, and innovative reaction unit-operationsExpertise in high throughput experimentation and automation of upstream unit operationsWorking knowledge of statistical design of experiments (DoE) and analysis of multivariate dataExperience with performing and interpreting process analytics and biophysical characterization techniques such as HPLC, CE, NGS & gel electrophoresisExperience working with CROs managing DNA supply and supporting DNA process troubleshooting as it relates to RNA productionKnowledge of cGMP, ICH, regulatory guidelines and QbD principles as they apply to risk management and clinical manufacturingExceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiencesAbility to lead complex projects independently and influence decisions across matrixed teams and governance forums.Prior experience managing, mentoring, or developing scientists in an industrial settingDemonstrated background of establishing early process definitions in preclinical to clinical manufacturing settingsKnowledge of advanced mathematics, nucleic acid chemistry, lipid chemistry, and biology is a plusKnowledge of establishing and qualifying scale down models and mechanistic models for process characterization is a plusIf 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 - MA - US: $153,660 - $186,203 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 av