Principal Scientist, RNA Synthesis Process Sciences

Bristol Myers Squibb • Cambridge, MA

1d • $153,660 - $186,203 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Scientist, RNA Synthesis Process Sciences role plays a central part in collaborating with research and manufacturing to define early process conditions and scale down process development. By combining deep scientific expertise with enabling technologies and strong cross-functional partnerships, RNA Process Development delivers transformative innovation across the pipeline. The Principal Scientist is a scientific leader responsible for driving RNA drug substance synthesis and circularization strategies, influencing cross-functional decisions, and delivering high-impact outcomes across increasingly diverse portfolio. The Principal Scientist provides scientific leadership for drug substance programs spanning preclinical to early stage development across circular and linear mRNA modalities. This role encompasses hands-on and technical leadership contributions by driving sound experimental execution and establishing linkages from a research concept to manufacturing implementation. The candidate should be driven by developing and characterizing RNA synthesis processes for improving the yield, quality and robustness.

Requirements

• Degree in Bio/Chemical Engineering, Bio/Chemistry, or related field
• MS with 8+ years’ or PhD with 3+ years’ experience in science related disciplines
• Expertise with in vitro transcription, enzymatic reactions, and innovative reaction unit-operations
• Expertise in high throughput experimentation and automation of upstream unit operations
• Working knowledge of statistical design of experiments (DoE) and analysis of multivariate data
• Experience with performing and interpreting process analytics and biophysical characterization techniques such as HPLC, CE, NGS & gel electrophoresis
• Experience working with CROs managing DNA supply and supporting DNA process troubleshooting as it relates to RNA production
• Knowledge of cGMP, ICH, regulatory guidelines and QbD principles as they apply to risk management and clinical manufacturing
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to lead complex projects independently and influence decisions across matrixed teams and governance forums.
• Prior experience managing, mentoring, or developing scientists in an industrial setting
• Demonstrated background of establishing early process definitions in preclinical to clinical manufacturing settings

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of advanced mathematics, nucleic acid chemistry, lipid chemistry, and biology is a plus
• Knowledge of establishing and qualifying scale down models and mechanistic models for process characterization is a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead RNA synthesis process research for drug substance programs across a portfolio that may include circular RNA and mRNA, spanning preclinical to early-stage development.
• Provide strategic oversight of reaction design, process development, and manufacturability, while contributing hands-on scientific input where needed to resolve critical technical challenges.
• Apply high throughput. data drive approaches to assess and mitigate risks, defining mitigation strategies and making critical scientific recommendations at key program milestones
• Represent drug substance development strategies in cross-functional CMC teams, ensuring alignment across research, analytical development, engineering, regulatory affairs, and supply chain
• Set clear priorities and objectives for Synthesis Process Sciences in alignment with portfolio goals and RNA PD’s broader organizational strategy
• Mentor and develop scientists across RNA SPS, contributing to a culture of scientific excellence and continuous learning
• Foster an inclusive, high-performance team environment built on psychological safety, accountability, and collaboration
• Propose and lead departmental initiatives that improve scientific workflows, sustainability practices, and operational efficiency
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with external academic institutions and industry partners to accelerate scientific advancement
• Represent capabilities at internal reviews, scientific conferences, and through peer-reviewed publications
• Serve as a key scientific voice in cross-functional CMC teams and broader enterprise forums
• Partner with functional areas - including research, analytical development, engineering, and drug product development
• Collaborate with organization leadership to drive strategic alignment across the portfolio

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: Principal