Principal Scientist

About the role

The Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center at BMS San Diego is seeking a Principal Scientist to join our Discovery Biology department. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of cutting-edge biology and drug discovery, where your work will directly influence clinical advancement decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the genome engineering and cell line development platform supporting diverse oncology and hematology discovery programs
• Apply deep expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 (KO/KI/Activation), non-viral transposases, and lentiviral systems to generate isogenic disease models and SAR assay systems
• Develop and implement high-throughput automation workflows to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs
• Design and implement novel cell-based SAR assays supporting E3 ubiquitin ligase-mediated TPD programs from hit-to-lead through clinical advancement
• Lead target validation efforts for new and emerging discovery projects, defining experimental strategies to establish therapeutic relevance of novel targets in AML and related hematologic malignancies
• Serve as primary scientific authority on target biology for assigned programs, evaluating and de-risking new targets prior to full drug discovery investment
• Generate and interpret MOA data packages pivotal for IND filings, clinical trial milestones, and regulatory submissions
• Provide strategic scientific direction and experimental guidance on discovery project teams, representing Discovery Biology at internal and external forums
• Mentor and develop junior scientists and postdoctoral researchers
• Manage external CRO relationships and coordinate multi-site collaborations for high-priority discovery projects
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives including automation development and OPEX reduction strategies

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in the Life Sciences with 8+ years of academic and/or industry experience
• Master’s Degree in the Life Sciences with 6+ years of academic and/or industry experience
• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences with 4+ years of academic and/or industry experience
• Ph.D. in Cellular/Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field with 7+ years of post-doctoral experience
• Demonstrated expertise in CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering and non-viral gene integration systems
• Hands-on experience in Targeted Protein Degradation, including E3 ubiquitin ligase biology and degrader SAR programs
• Proven track record of advancing discovery assets into clinical trials, including IND-enabling data package generation
• Strong communication skills with experience authoring scientific manuscripts and presenting at conferences
• Publishations in peer-reviewed journals in oncology, hematology, or genome engineering preferred

Benefits

Read more careers.bms.com/working-with-us for details on benefits including Health Coverage, wellbeing support programs, financial well-being and protection, work-life benefits, and more.