Principal Scientist, Engineered Cell Therapy Discovery

Bristol Myers Squibb•Seattle, WA

11d•$152,360 - $184,628•Onsite

About The Position

The Engineered Cell Therapy Discovery team in the Cell Therapy Thematic Research Center is looking for a highly motivated and accomplished Principal Scientist passionate about discovering and developing novel engineered CAR T and eTCR T cell therapeutics for cancer and other chronic diseases. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in immunology and cell therapy, with a proven history of leading complex, multidisciplinary research programs from concept to preclinical development. This includes in vitro functional screening of T cell cytotoxicity and effector function, engineering of logic-gated CAR T/eTCR T cell circuits, gene delivery, genetic construct optimization, and translating findings into in vivo xenograft studies. This role is crucial for scientific leadership within the team, involving setting research strategy, mentoring junior scientists, and collaborating with cross-functional and external partners to advance cutting-edge cell therapy programs. It is an excellent opportunity for an innovative, established scientist who excels at defining scientific direction and making critical drug discovery decisions based on data.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience
Master’s Degree and 6+ years of academic and / or industry experience
Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences and 4+ years of academic and / or industry experience
Extensive experience designing and executing in vitro functional T cell assays (e.g., cytotoxicity, cytokine production, proliferation) to evaluate and optimize engineered T cell therapies is required
Deep expertise in gene delivery methods (lentiviral, retroviral, AAV) and genetic construct design/optimization for engineered cell therapies, including logic-gated or multi-input circuit design, is required
Proficient in multi-color flow cytometry, functional cytotoxicity/cytokine assays, and other relevant immune cell characterization methods.
Experience with molecular biology techniques including genetic construct design, cloning strategies (e.g., Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate), and pooled library generation for genetic screening
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Ability to set scientific direction and drive go/no-go decisions in a fast-paced, collaborative drug discovery environment
Requires advanced, expert-level knowledge of the principles and concepts of biological sciences, immunology, bioengineering, or a related discipline

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline
4+ years of postdoctoral and/or industry research experience, including demonstrated leadership of independent research programs
Master's Degree in a related discipline and 6+ years of relevant industry research experience, including demonstrated leadership of independent research programs
Experience with in vivo xenograft models to evaluate CAR T/eTCR T cell efficacy and translate in vitro findings into preclinical proof-of-concept is a plus
Track record of leading multidisciplinary project teams across wet lab, computational, and clinical collaborators, including across multiple sites.
Experience mentoring and managing direct reports, including providing scientific and career development guidance
Experience leading complex, matrixed cell therapy programs, including endorsement of key drug development milestones
Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and/or patents in immunology, cell therapy, or a related field.
Expertise in emerging technologies in immunology and cell therapy, such as HT imaging, CRISPR screens, etc. is a plus
Expertise in utilization of AI in scientific discovery and general workflows is a plus
Strong quantitative and analytical skills are desirable

Responsibilities

Provides scientific leadership and sets strategic direction for research programs focused on the discovery and optimization of engineered CAR T and eTCR T cell therapies.
Leads in vitro functional screening efforts focused on T cell cytotoxicity and effector function (e.g., cytokine production, proliferation, killing assays) to evaluate and optimize engineered T cell therapies, including logic-gated CAR T/eTCR T cell circuits.
Designs and optimizes genetic constructs, including logic-gated and multi-input circuits, and gene delivery approaches (lentiviral, retroviral, AAV) to improve the potency, persistence, and safety of engineered T cell therapies.
Serves as a subject matter expert and functional mentor, managing and developing junior scientists and providing scientific guidance across project teams.
Supports translation of in vitro functional data into in vivo xenograft studies to evaluate CAR T/eTCR T cell efficacy and inform go/no-go decisions.
Leads and coordinates multidisciplinary collaborations across wet lab, computational, and clinical functions, including across multiple sites, to drive functional screening and validation efforts.
Drives go/no-go decision-making and represents research strategy and data to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Contributes to IND-enabling study reports, patent applications, and peer-reviewed publications, and maintains rigorous, timely documentation (electronic notebooks) to support project milestones and regulatory/patent filings.

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
flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national 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
an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.