Associate Scientist, Translational Research, Protein Homeostasis TRC San Diego

Bristol Myers Squibb • San Diego, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center at BMS is a fundamental Oncology research engine delivering oncology and hematology therapeutics to patients. The TRC has a major focus on exploiting BMS’ expertise in protein degradation to discover and develop therapies aimed at tumor intrinsic vulnerabilities and mechanisms of resistance to existing cancer therapeutics. This focus on protein degradation allows us to attack protein classes that were previously deemed undruggable. Position Summary The Associate Scientist will play a critical role in advancing translational research within the Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center (PH TRC), supporting early-phase clinical development through laboratory-based experimentation. This position involves designing and executing translational assays to generate mechanistic and pharmacodynamic insights that inform first-in-human studies. Responsibilities include culturing primary cells and established cell lines, performing viability and combination studies, and conducting molecular analyses such as PCR and Western blot. The role also encompasses developing and optimizing assays for clinical sample analysis, ensuring robust, reproducible data under stringent quality standards. Working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment, the Associate Scientist will partner closely with global teams to deliver high-quality translational data that drives decision-making in Phase 1 trials.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 2+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Nice To Haves

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology) with at least 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience; prior experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry strongly preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in cell culture techniques, including primary cells and immortalized cell lines. Experience with molecular biology methods such as PCR, Western blot, and viability assays; familiarity with assay development and optimization for translational research.
• Understanding of biomarker strategies and clinical study requirements, particularly Phase 1 trials.
• Quality & Compliance: Knowledge of laboratory safety standards (BSL-2+) and quality systems; ability to maintain audit-ready documentation.
• Data & Systems: Competence in electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and data management systems; proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data analysis tools.
• Behavioral Competencies: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities. Clear and effective communication skills; ability to work collaboratively across functions and global sites. Flexible and adaptable to evolving project needs; capable of working independently while contributing to team goals.

Responsibilities

• Cell-Based Experiments: Culture and maintain primary cells and established cell lines; perform viability assays, combination studies, and other functional experiments to support translational objectives.
• Molecular Analyses: Execute molecular biology techniques such as PCR, Western blot, and related assays to generate mechanistic and pharmacodynamic insights.
• Assay Development: Design, optimize, and validate translational assays for clinical sample analysis, ensuring robustness, reproducibility, and alignment with Phase 1 study requirements.
• Data Documentation & Integrity: Record experimental procedures and results in electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and relevant systems, maintaining data integrity, version control, and traceability.
• Quality & Compliance: Adhere to laboratory safety standards and internal quality systems; maintain audit-ready documentation and ensure compliance with QMS requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with translational scientists, biomarker teams, and global collaborators to align assay development with clinical study timelines and objectives.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to process optimization and implementation of best practices to enhance efficiency and scientific rigor in translational workflows.

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