Director, Clinical Genomics & Molecular Assay Development

Bristol Myers Squibb • Princeton, NJ

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is a global biopharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of human diseases. The Director, Clinical Genomics & Molecular Assay Development (MAD) will provide strategic and scientific leadership for clinical genomics, transcriptomics, and molecular biomarker assay activities supporting Translational Medicine and clinical development programs across BMS’s pipeline. As a functional leader within Clinical Genomics & MAD, this role partners closely with Biomarker Leads, Data Analysis, Biostatistics, Sample Management, Clinical Operations, Translational Medicine, Quality, and external laboratories/CROs to define assay strategy, enable fit-for-purpose validation, and deliver high-quality genomic data to support critical program decisions. The position reports to the Senior Director, Head of Clinical Genomics & MAD, and manages lab scientist direct reports, interfaces with matrix teams and supervises outsourced work with external partners globally.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree with 15+ years of academic and / or industry experience, Master’s Degree with12+ years of academic and / or industry experience or Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related life science
• 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience
• 6+ years of leadership experience
• Demonstrated success leading clinical genomics or transcriptomics strategy for translational medicine and/or clinical-stage programs.
• Deep expertise in NGS, qPCR/PCR, gene expression profiling, genotyping, ctDNA, and variant analysis assay development, troubleshooting, and QC review.
• Proven ability to lead scientific teams and manage external vendors/CROs supporting assay development, validation, and clinical sample analysis in regulated environments.
• Expertise in data structures, assay QC, and interpretation of genomics datasets in partnership with data analysis and biostatistics teams.
• Excellent communication skills with experience authoring validation plans, reports, study summaries, technology transfer documents, and SOPs.
• Track record of scientific leadership, collaboration, and influence across complex, matrixed organizations; familiarity with IVD quality systems and contracting considerations is a plus.

Nice To Haves

• strong knowledge of fit-for-purpose assay validation principles and genomics assay requirements within regulated laboratory environments, including FDA, CAP, CLIA, ACMG, NYSDOH, and other applicable global regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and accountability for clinical genomics, transcriptomics, and molecular assay strategies across translational medicine and clinical development programs.
• Lead genomics biomarker strategy with program biomarker leads, data analysis, and clinical operations teams, aligning assay plans with protocol needs, program biology, and mechanism of action.
• Oversee assay and platform selection for broad genomic profiling, gene expression profiling, pharmacodynamic, target engagement, predictive, prognostic, genotyping, ctDNA, and variant analysis applications.
• Direct assay design, development, optimization, qualification, validation, and lifecycle management for NGS-, PCR-, qPCR-, and related molecular platforms, ensuring methods are fit-for-purpose and operationally robust.
• Manage a team of direct reports, supervising clinical genomic projects ensuring quality outputs and on-time delivery of data to study times meeting timelines.
• Maintain a strong laboratory presence by dedicating substantial time to hands-on experimental work and direct support of core lab operations.
• Drive innovation through the evaluation, onboarding, and implementation of emerging genomics technologies and assay methodologies to improve performance, scalability, and efficiency.
• Provide strategic oversight and hands-on leadership for internal and outsourced assay execution, including: Vendor selection and scientific oversight of assay development and clinical sample testing Authoring and review of experimental plans, validation reports, work instructions, technology transfer documents, study summaries, and SOPs Troubleshooting assay/platform performance and establishing appropriate controls and QC methodologies
• Partner cross-functionally with data analysis, biostatistics, sample management, and trial operations teams to define data structure, QC review, interpretation, and delivery of clinical genomics results.
• Serve as the genomics subject matter expert for functional stakeholders, portfolio teams, and study teams, providing strategic input on technology, data quality, outsourcing, and execution risk.
• Lead, mentor, and develop scientific talent while building lean, efficient genomics processes and best practices across matrix teams.

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: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree