Scientist, Cell Therapy Process Development (In Vivo CAR-T)

About the role

The Cell Therapy Thematic Research Center is one of BMS’s differentiated research platforms delivering innovative therapies to patients. Our mission is to drive leadership in the use of cellular therapies to harness the power of the immune system in treating hematologic malignancies, solid cancers, and autoimmune disease. More specifically, our discovery and translational scientists are focused on developing next-generation, engineered cell-based therapies. The team is committed to discovering and developing transformative therapies that harness the power of the immune system to improve patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments to evaluate gene delivery and cell engineering strategies for CAR-T manufacturing feasibility
• Lead workstreams and experiments focused on the optimization and implementation of scalable lentiviral vector production for in vivo CAR-T therapy platforms
• Document experimental workflows, results, and deviations in electronic laboratory notebooks to ensure reproducibility and process understanding
• Perform data analysis and communicate findings clearly to enable informed decision-making by research and development teams
• Participate in cross-functional project teams and effectively communicate CT-PRE activities, data, and recommendations
• Collaborate closely with team members to coordinate experimental execution and deliver study outcomes
• Train and mentor junior team members as appropriate
• Demonstrate strong scientific rigor through critical thinking, problem-solving, troubleshooting, and attention to detail

Requirements

• Prior industry experience with process development, preferably in viral vector production for CAR-T therapy
• Experience with viral vector process development, including upstream production (e.g., suspension culture, transfection parameters, bioreactor scale-up) and downstream purification and concentration strategies
• Strong understanding of viral transduction mechanisms, tropism and integration
• Proficiency with aseptic mammalian cell culture, preferably including primary T cell culture, activation and expansion
• Familiarity with analytical characterization and critical quality attributes for an in vivo CAR-T drug product (titer, purity, potency, sterility)
• Understanding of T-cell biology and immunology relevant to CAR-T – activation, transduction efficiency, phenotype and functional assays
• Understanding of statistical design of experiments methodology and data analysis for process optimization
• Familiarity with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) or other nanoparticle-based delivery systems for in vivo and/or ex vivo T-cell targeting and engineering
• Knowledge of, or hands-on experience with, site-specific gene-editing (preferably CRISPR-Cas, base or prime editing) technologies
• Working knowledge of analyzing and interpreting data from flow-based cellular, and PCR/sequencing based molecular assays
• Understanding of incorporation of cell-targeting ligands in vectors, for in vivo T-cell, or organ-selective targeting
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for exchanging technical and scientific information with cross-functional teams
• A collaborative team player who can effectively multi-task as well as excel independently in a fast-paced, dynamic and innovative environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in the Life Sciences with 5+ years of academic and/or industry experience
• Master’s Degree in the Life Sciences with 3+ years of academic and/or industry experience
• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences

Skills

• Strong scientific background
• Experience with viral vector process development
• Understanding of T-cell biology and immunology
• Statistical design of experiments
• Hands-on experience with gene-editing technologies
• Effective communication skills

Benefits

Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us

Pay

Seattle - WA: $122,810 - $148,814

Schedule

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