Associate Scientist, Molecular Biology, Next-Generation Sequencing and Operations Management

Bristol Myers Squibb • San Diego, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sequencing Research & Genomics team at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is seeking a dedicated, highly organized, and motivated Associate Scientist to support Next-Generation Sequencing, molecular biology, and multi-omics workflows that enable target discovery, assay development, and drug discovery screening projects. This role is designed for a hands-on scientist who can contribute to high-quality experimental execution while also supporting the operational coordination required to manage sequencing workflows in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment. The position will combine approximately 70% laboratory execution and 30% operations / project coordination, including NGS sample processing, library preparation, sequencing quality control, run documentation, project tracking, and coordination of collaborative research requests. The successful candidate will work closely with internal scientific teams, automation specialists, computational biology partners, external vendors, and CROs to ensure that sequencing projects are executed efficiently, reproducibly, and with clear documentation from request intake through data handoff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 2+ years of academic and / or industry experience
• Developed knowledge of molecular biology principles, with hands-on experience in DNA/RNA purification, NGS library preparation, library QC, PCR, qPCR, cloning, or related wet-lab methods.
• Practical experience supporting NGS workflows, including sample intake, nucleic acid QC, library construction, sequencing preparation, and review of run-level or sample-level QC metrics.
• Strong attention to detail and a quality-focused mindset, with the ability to generate accurate, well-organized, and reproducible experimental documentation.
• Ability to work within established procedures while contributing to troubleshooting, process improvements, and optimization of laboratory workflows.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple samples, workflows, project requests, and timelines in parallel.
• Experience using Electronic Lab Notebooks and project / knowledge-management tools such as JIRA, Confluence, SharePoint, Excel, or similar platforms.
• Ability to communicate clearly with scientific stakeholders, project teams, external vendors, and CROs regarding sample requirements, timelines, technical updates, and deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional, matrixed research environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to summarize experimental results, document workflows, and provide clear project updates.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor degree with 2+ years of academic and/or industry experience in molecular biology, biotechnology, or biochemistry
• Experience coordinating with external vendors or CROs for sequencing, molecular biology, or other research services is preferred.
• Exposure to cell biology techniques, including mammalian cell culture, organoid culture, perturbation experiments, or functional drug-response assays, is a plus.
• Familiarity with automation-enabled workflows, high-throughput sample processing, or liquid handling systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct day-to-day laboratory experiments and sequencing operations, including DNA/RNA extraction and purification, sample quality assessment, NGS library preparation, library QC, quantification, pooling, and sequencer loading across platforms such as Illumina and Oxford Nanopore.
• Contribute to the preparation, execution, and documentation of sequencing runs, including reagent readiness, sample tracking, run setup, instrument coordination, and post-run quality review.
• Evaluate sequencing run performance and relevant QC statistics, organize results for internal review, and maintain clear records to support reproducibility, troubleshooting, and future reference.
• Generate, organize, and maintain high-quality documentation of experimental procedures, sequencing runs, QC outcomes, protocol deviations, troubleshooting steps, and project status updates in compliance with laboratory and data documentation standards.
• Support project tracking across collaborative NGS requests by organizing sample information, timelines, experimental status, sequencing deliverables, and data handoff milestones using tools such as Electronic Lab Notebooks, JIRA, Confluence, spreadsheets, or other project management systems.
• Help refine project organizational guidelines, sample tracking processes, sequencing pipeline documentation, and operational workflows to improve transparency, reproducibility, and execution efficiency.
• Communicate with internal stakeholders, external collaborators, vendors, and CROs to support project execution, clarify sample or workflow requirements, coordinate timelines, and ensure alignment on deliverables.
• Work independently and collaboratively with team members to support optimization, benchmarking, and implementation of new molecular biology, NGS, and multi-omics workflows.
• Participate in troubleshooting routine technical issues, identifying workflow bottlenecks, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives related to sequencing operations, sample processing, documentation, and project execution.
• Partner with scientists across biology, genomics, automation, computational biology, and project teams to enable high-quality data generation that supports target discovery, target validation, assay development, and drug discovery decision-making.

Benefits

• Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
• BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
• 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
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level