Principal Scientist

Bristol Myers Squibb • San Diego, CA

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center at BMS San Diego is seeking a Principal Scientist to join our Discovery Biology department. As a key scientific leader, you will drive genome engineering, target validation, and mechanism of action strategy across our hematology and oncology pipeline, with a strong focus on Acute Myeloid Leukemia and targeted protein degradation. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of cutting-edge biology and drug discovery, where your work will directly influence clinical advancement decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience
• Master’s Degree 6+ years of academic and / or industry experience
• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences 4+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in Cellular/Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field with 7+ years of post-doctoral experience
• Demonstrated expertise in CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering and non-viral gene integration systems
• Hands-on experience in Targeted Protein Degradation, including E3 ubiquitin ligase biology and degrader SAR programs
• Proven track record of advancing discovery assets into clinical trials, including IND-enabling data package generation
• Experience with automation platforms and high-throughput screening
• Strong communication skills with experience authoring scientific manuscripts and presenting at conferences
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals in oncology, hematology, or genome engineering preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead the genome engineering and cell line development platform supporting diverse oncology and hematology discovery programs
• Design and implement high-throughput automation workflows to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs
• Develop novel cell-based SAR assays supporting E3 ubiquitin ligase-mediated TPD programs from hit-to-lead through clinical advancement
• Lead target validation efforts for new and emerging discovery projects, defining experimental strategies to establish therapeutic relevance of novel targets in AML and related hematologic malignancies
• Design and oversee validation frameworks integrating CRISPR-KO, RNAi, CRISPRa, proteomics, transcriptomics, and functional cell biology
• Serve as primary scientific authority on target biology for assigned programs, evaluating and de-risking new targets prior to full drug discovery investment
• Generate and interpret MOA data packages pivotal for IND filings, clinical trial milestones, and regulatory submissions
• Serve as Biology Lead on discovery project teams, providing strategic scientific direction and experimental guidance
• Lead multidisciplinary scientific discussions and represent Discovery Biology at internal and external forums (e.g., ASH, AACR)
• Mentor and develop junior scientists and postdoctoral researchers
• Manage external CRO relationships and coordinate multi-site collaborations for high-priority discovery projects
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives including automation development and OPEX reduction strategies

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.
• flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio 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: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree