Senior Scientist, Discovery Biology

About the role

Working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department—from optimizing production lines to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy. This role within the Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center (TRC) offers the opportunity to contribute to fundamental oncology research, delivering therapeutics to patients by exploiting expertise in protein degradation to target previously undruggable proteins.

The Molecular Pharmacology discovery biology team in San Diego, CA, is seeking a highly motivated Cancer Biologist to support and lead the discovery of novel targeted protein degradation drugs for solid tumors. The successful candidate will work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment to explore disease biology, develop cellular assays, and advance drug discovery projects.

Responsibilities

• Formulate mechanistic hypotheses for drug discovery projects based on literature and internal data, and design and execute experiments to test these hypotheses.
• Find, establish, and execute techniques or assays key for understanding the mechanism of action of selected compounds/targets.
• Develop new drug discovery projects based on literature and mining of existing data sets.
• Utilize and develop disease models to design target validation studies and relevant assays in support of structure-activity relationship (SAR) efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues in informatics, translational research, and other functional areas to generate testable hypotheses validating novel targets and solidifying patient selection strategies.
• Accurately maintain written reports and present results in an organized and timely manner.
• Communicate effectively, foster teamwork, and contribute to project strategy discussions.
• Demonstrate adaptability and a strong commitment to quality in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree with 7+ years of academic and/or industry experience, or Master’s Degree with 5+ years of academic and/or industry experience, or Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences with 2+ years of academic and/or industry experience.
• Strong molecular and cell biology skillsets.
• Excellent capabilities in critical thinking and problem-solving; ability to independently design and execute experiments efficiently.
• Proficiency in cell culture, plate-based assays (e.g., CTG, annexin V), CRISPR, RNAi, cloning, lentiviral expression, qPCR, western blotting, FACS, immunofluorescence, and live cell imaging.
• Experience with Windows, MS Office, and graphing software (e.g., PRISM).
• Ability to lead teams while supporting collaborative efforts; flexibility to adapt to changes with a positive attitude.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific data effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in cancer biology or a related field with 3+ years of relevant academic or industry research experience in cancer biology, oncology target validation, and/or drug discovery.
• In-depth knowledge of molecular drivers of cancer.
• Experience with preclinical models of solid tumors (2D and 3D spheroids, organoids, and cancer stem cells).
• Experience with CRISPR-based technologies and cloning to interrogate targets and biological pathways.
• Experience with targeted protein degradation technologies and molecular glue approaches is a plus.
• Proven track record in cancer biology/genetics, as evidenced by publication record.

Pay

The starting compensation range for this full-time role in San Diego, CA, is $131,590 – $159,454. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities may be available based on eligibility. Final compensation will be determined by demonstrated experience.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
• Wellbeing Support Programs: 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.
• Work-life Benefits:
  • Paid Time Off:
    • US Exempt Employees: Flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval) and 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico, or Rayzebio).
    • 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.
  • Additional time off based on eligibility, including unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, and leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs.
  • Annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s Day for all full- and part-time employees actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year.