Associate Scientific Director, Chemical Process Development

Bristol Myers Squibb • New Brunswick, NJ

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Process Chemistry function plays a central role in designing safe, efficient, robust, and sustainable manufacturing processes. By combining deep scientific expertise with enabling technologies and strong cross-functional partnerships, CPD delivers transformative innovation across the pipeline. The Associate Scientific Director is a strategic scientific leader responsible for driving drug substance development strategies, influencing cross-functional decisions, and delivering high-impact outcomes across a diverse portfolio. The Associate Scientific Director provides scientific and strategic leadership for drug substance programs spanning early- to late-stage development across modalities including small molecules and other synthetic assets. This role is primarily focused on program leadership and strategy, with selective hands-on scientific contribution to address critical technical challenges.

Requirements

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or a related field with a track record of academic excellence.
• 8 or more years of relevant industry experience in process chemistry, chemical development, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated track record of leading scientific projects from conception through delivery with measurable outcomes.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to lead complex projects independently and influence decisions across matrixed teams and governance forums.
• Prior experience managing, mentoring, or developing scientists in an industrial setting.
• Strong scientific foundation in process chemistry, including route assessment, process understanding, and risk-based decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to operate with accountability, agility, and integrity in a fast-paced, portfolio-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

• External presence in the organic chemistry or broader scientific community through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and/or professional engagement is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead chemical and process development strategy for drug substance programs across a portfolio that may include small molecules, ADCs, and other synthetic modalities, spanning early- and late-stage development.
• Provide strategic oversight of route design, process development, and manufacturability, while contributing hands-on scientific input where needed to resolve critical technical challenges.
• Apply first-principles approaches to assess and mitigate risks, defining mitigation strategies and making critical scientific recommendations at key program milestones.
• Represent drug substance development strategies in cross-functional CMC teams, ensuring alignment across analytical chemistry, engineering, regulatory affairs, and supply chain.
• Set clear priorities and objectives for the team in alignment with portfolio goals and CPD's broader organizational strategy.
• Mentor and develop scientists across CPD Chemistry, contributing to a culture of scientific excellence and continuous learning.
• Foster an inclusive, high-performance team environment built on psychological safety, accountability, and collaboration.
• Propose and lead departmental initiatives that improve scientific workflows, sustainability practices, and operational efficiency.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with external academic institutions and industry partners to accelerate scientific advancement.
• Represent CPD Chemistry's capabilities at internal reviews, scientific conferences, and through peer-reviewed publications.
• Serve as a key scientific voice in cross-functional CMC teams and broader enterprise forums.
• Partner with CPD functional areas — including analytical chemistry, engineering, and drug substance supply — to deliver on CPD's integrated vision.
• Collaborate with CPD and chemistry organization leadership to drive strategic alignment across the portfolio.

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.
• Work-life benefits include: 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 for employees 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree