Senior Associate Scientist - Engineered Cell Therapy Discovery
About The Position
The Cell Therapy Thematic Research Center is one of BMS’s differentiated research platforms delivering innovative therapies to patients. Our mission is to drive leadership in the use of cellular therapies to harness the power of the immune system in treating hematologic malignancies, solid cancers, and autoimmune disease. More specifically, our discovery and translational scientists are focused on developing next-generation, engineered cell-based therapies. The team is committed to discovering and developing transformative therapies that harness the power of the immune system to improve patient outcomes. Here, you will get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities that are uncommon in scale and scope. You’ll pursue innovative ideas while advancing professionally alongside some of the brightest minds in biopharma. We are seeking an innovative and driven Senior Associate Scientist to join the Engineered Cell Therapy Discovery team and help advance next-generation CAR T and eTCR therapies for patients with cancer and other chronic diseases. In this role, you will apply immunological knowledge and experimental rigor to design and execute detailed functional assays, support screening of engineered T cell constructs, and interpret large biological datasets that shape discovery decisions. You will work closely with scientists across disciplines to develop robust assay platforms, evaluate engineered cell function in relevant biological models, and communicate clear, data-driven recommendations. The ideal candidate is excited by the intersection of immune cell engineering, quantitative biology, and scalable data generation in a fast-paced discovery setting.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree 4+ years of academic and / or industry experience Or Master’s Degree 2+ years of academic and / or industry experience
- Developed knowledge of the principles and concepts of biological sciences, immunology, bioengineering, or related discipline.
- Experience developing and using quantitative in vitro assays to drive decision-making, especially in the drug development context, is strongly desired
- Experience with automation platforms, including liquid handling systems or related technologies, in a high-throughput screening context is strongly desired.
- Experience analyzing and visualizing complex biological datasets using software such as JMP, R, or similar quantitative analysis tools is preferred.
- Familiarity with data handling and analysis best practices for screening, multiparametric flow cytometry, or other higher-content assay platforms.
- Proficiency in MSD, IncuCyte-based assays, multi-parameter flow cytometry, and/or high-content imaging technologies is strongly desired.
- Skilled in generating, expanding, characterizing, and cryopreserving CAR T and eTCR T cells.
- Experience with antibody discovery and molecular biology is preferred.
- Excellent organizational skills for thorough and timely documentation of experiments across multiple projects.
- Maintains electronic notebooks rigorously.
- Ability to independently recognize potential problems and recommend/develop appropriate solutions strongly desired.
- Strong communication skills for working with cross-functional teams as well as cross-departmental colleagues.
- Ability to work productively as both team member and as individual contributor.
Nice To Haves
- Experience analyzing and visualizing complex biological datasets using software such as JMP, R, or similar quantitative analysis tools is preferred.
- Experience with antibody discovery and molecular biology is preferred.
- Ability to independently recognize potential problems and recommend/develop appropriate solutions strongly desired.
Responsibilities
- Applies strong immunological knowledge to the design, execution, and interpretation of studies evaluating engineered T cell CAR/eTCR constructs, novel payloads/gene editing across diverse biological conditions.
- Contributes to screening strategies that assess engineered T cell constructs and functional responses leveraging automation where applicable, enabling data-driven prioritization of candidates.
- Performs fine-detailed, nuanced mechanistic studies to interrogate engineered T cell function using multiparametric immune profiling approaches, including assessment of activation, exhaustion, memory, and effector phenotypes.
- Analyzes and interprets complex datasets from cellular, molecular, and functional assays to identify biological trends, support hypothesis generation, guide experimental follow-up, and enabling data-driven prioritization of candidates.
- Develops and optimizes novel assays to quantitatively assess the biological and functional properties of novel synthetic biology in engineered T cells.
- Ensures the robustness and reproducibility of these assays to support key project milestones.
- Generates and cryopreserves CAR T cells and eTCR T cells with complex genetic engineering approaches.
- Performs phenotypic and functional analysis of CAR and eTCR T cells using flow cytometry, IncuCyte, MSD, and other relevant methods.
- Analyzes data to provide insights into the performance, quality, and potential of engineered T cells.
- Participates in troubleshooting activities related to the evolution of new approaches/technologies.
- Collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Communicates findings clearly and concisely to stakeholders at all levels.
- Maintains electronic notebooks in a rigorous and timely manner to support project milestones and patent/regulatory filings.
Benefits
- Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
- Programs such as 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
- Annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
