Associate Scientist, Molecular Biology, Next-Generation Sequencing, and Assay Development

Bristol Myers Squibb • San Diego, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sequencing Research & Genomics (SRG) group at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is seeking a conscientious, highly motivated, and detail-oriented Associate Scientist with experience in molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, and laboratory automation. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development, optimization, and implementation of genomics workflows that support early drug discovery program advancement. As part of the Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center, the successful candidate will work in a collaborative, cross-functional environment focused on enabling high-quality, reproducible, and scalable genomics technologies. The candidate will support hands-on laboratory execution across nucleic acid extraction, NGS library preparation, sample QC, sequencer loading, and automation-enabled workflow development. This position is well suited for a technically strong scientist who enjoys meticulous experimental work, operational rigor, protocol refinement, and the translation of manual molecular biology workflows onto automated liquid handling platforms. The candidate will contribute to SRG’s mission of enabling high-quality genomic data generation across diverse biological systems and project teams, helping advance scientific understanding of disease biology and therapeutic hypotheses with line of sight to patient impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 2+ years of academic and / or industry experience
• Developed knowledge of molecular biology principles and hands-on experience with techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction and purification, PCR, qPCR, cloning, nucleic acid quantification, and nucleic acid quality assessment.
• Practical experience with NGS workflows, including library preparation, sample QC, library quantification, pooling, and sequencing run setup.
• Strong understanding of experimental design principles and the ability to execute experiments with precision, consistency, and careful attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established protocols while contributing thoughtfully to troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.
• Strong record-keeping practices, including accurate documentation of experimental conditions, sample metadata, protocol changes, QC results, and instrument runs.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, support project timelines, and maintain high-quality execution in a fast-paced research environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional team.
• Proactive, positive, and solution-oriented mindset, with strong communication skills and a commitment to scientific rigor, reproducibility, and operational excellence.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor degree with 2+ years of academic and/or industry experience in molecular biology, biotechnology, or biochemistry
• Hands-on experience with automated liquid handlers or laboratory automation platforms is preferred.
• Experience supporting the automation, optimization, or benchmarking of molecular biology workflows, particularly NGS library preparation or other nucleic acid-based assays.
• Exposure to cell biology techniques, including mammalian cell culture and functional assays for drug response or perturbation studies, is a plus.
• Experience working in a genomics core, automation-focused laboratory, discovery biology group, or high-throughput screening environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support NGS laboratory operations by performing RNA and DNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, sample normalization, NGS library preparation, library QC, pooling, and sequencer loading across established genomics workflows.
• Execute molecular biology and NGS workflows with strong technical rigor, including DNA-Seq, RNA-Seq, targeted sequencing, amplicon-based workflows, and other sequencing-based assays as needed to support research programs.
• Contribute to automation-enabled workflow development by supporting the transfer, optimization, and benchmarking of manual molecular biology and NGS protocols onto automated liquid handling platforms.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated liquid handling systems in collaboration with team members and automation partners, ensuring reliable execution of routine and developing workflows.
• Participate in assay optimization and technology benchmarking, including testing workflow modifications, assessing assay performance, comparing manual and automated approaches, and contributing to continuous improvement of throughput, reproducibility, and data quality.
• Develop, revise, and maintain protocols and SOPs, ensuring methods are clearly documented, reproducible, and aligned with evolving laboratory best practices.
• Generate, organize, and maintain meticulous experimental records, including sample information, protocol versions, instrument runs, QC metrics, deviations, troubleshooting notes, and workflow outcomes.
• Analyze, summarize, and interpret experimental results in collaboration with team members, and prepare clear data summaries, figures, tables, and written updates for internal discussions.
• Work predominantly within established protocols while contributing to problem-solving efforts in situations that require optimization, troubleshooting, or adaptation of existing workflows.
• Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives related to routine molecular biology workflows, automated liquid handling methods, sample QC, library preparation, sequencing performance, and assay reproducibility.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to evaluate, benchmark, and implement automation-compatible assays, and workflow solutions.
• Support cell-based assay workflows, including maintenance and troubleshooting of cell-based experimental systems that interface with downstream genomics readouts.
• Communicate effectively within a matrixed research environment, working closely with scientists, automation specialists, computational collaborators, and project teams to ensure high-quality execution and timely delivery of genomics data.

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: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED