Scientist - RNA Sciences & Preclinical Manufacturing
Position Summary
We are seeking a Scientist to join the RNA Sciences and Preclinical Manufacturing team. This role sits at the interface of RNA/DNA research, process development, and preclinical material production in support of in vivo studies, platform development, and technology maturation. The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for developing and executing bench-scale manufacturing processes to produce preclinical-grade DNA and mRNA materials in support of discovery and preclinical programs. Because these materials may span diverse construct formats and production requirements, the role will require practical troubleshooting and targeted process development to enable reliable, fit-for-purpose material supply. The candidate may also support downstream, analytical, and molecular biology workflows, including sequencing and amplification-based methods to assess nucleic acid identity, abundance, and integrity in both standalone materials and biological samples.
Position Responsibilities
- Develop and execute bench-scale manufacturing processes for preclinical-grade DNA and mRNA materials across diverse construct formats, using practical troubleshooting and targeted adjustments to meet quality, yield, and timeline needs.
- Support manufacturing goals through DNA molecular cloning, cell-based or cell-free production, and purification of DNA templates.
- Produce mRNA and circRNA using in vitro transcription and bench-scale purification methods.
- Partner with analytical and process development groups to develop and implement methods that improve production, purification, and quality assessment of DNA templates and RNA materials.
- Contribute to additional molecular biology, downstream, or analytical workflows as needed to support manufacturing objectives and platform development.
- Coordinate with teammates to prioritize production needs, maintain inventory records, and procure reagents needed for DNA and RNA production across multiple concurrent activities.
- Collaborate across RNA Sciences, Discovery Biology, and partner teams to accelerate BMS programs.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree with 5+ years of academic and/or industry experience
- Master's Degree with 3+ years of academic and/or industry experience
- Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences
Preferred Qualifications
- B.S./M.S. in Biology/Biochemistry/Molecular Biology or related field with 4+ years of experience or a Ph.D. with 0-1 years of experience.
- Hands-on experience with plasmid DNA production and in vitro transcription of mRNA/circRNA is required.
- Experience developing and troubleshooting plasmid DNA workflows, including cloning strategy, construct verification, and DNA template preparation for RNA production, is highly desirable.
- Previous experience in performing analytics on RNA and DNA using chromatographic separation, capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE), qPCR, or sequencing is highly desirable.
- Experience using automated liquid handlers for nucleic acid production, purification, or analytical workflows is a plus.
Pay
Cambridge - MA - US $128,380 - $155,571. 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.
Benefits
- Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
- Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
- Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
- Paid Time Off: 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. Based on eligibility*, additional time off may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs, and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day. All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.