Senior Associate Scientist, Molecular Analytics BioEngineering

Bristol Myers Squibb • Seattle, WA

1d • $102,570 - $124,290 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Associate Scientist will work in the Bioengineering and Technology Innovation team within Bristol Myers Squibb’s Cell Therapy Thematic Research Center, supporting the discovery and development of engineered CAR T-cell therapies. This is a hands-on, laboratory-based position focused primarily on developing and running custom droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays to measure gene-editing outcomes in cell therapy products and support preclinical CAR T asset development. The role also applies qPCR and ddPCR to gene-edited samples and supports analytical approaches for lentiviral vector characterization.

The scientist will extract and assess nucleic acids from primary cells and cell lines, optimize PCR parameters, and design and execute experiments. They will independently analyze and interpret complex data, troubleshoot technical issues, maintain timely electronic laboratory notebook records, and communicate findings to inform team decisions. The position requires collaboration with cross-functional colleagues and may involve representing the team on broader program or project teams.

The role is predominantly on-site and full-time in the laboratory. The successful candidate will independently manage most day-to-day experimental work and priorities within established project goals, using sound scientific judgment and seeking guidance on complex or novel issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 or more years of academic and/or industry experience, or a master’s degree and 2 or more years of academic and/or industry experience.
• Hands-on experience developing and running ddPCR assays, including primer/probe design and optimization; experience measuring gene-editing outcomes is required.
• Experience with nucleic acid extraction and characterization.
• Ability to manage and interpret complex data from large sample sets, such as multiple 96- or 384-well plates.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and documentation skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet commitments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and effective collaboration in large, cross-functional teams.
• Creative, flexible thinking and adaptability in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas and base editing, and genetic outcomes such as indels and base conversions.
• Experience developing analytical assays to characterize lentiviral vectors, especially using the Leprechaun or other imaging-based platforms.
• Experience transducing cell lines or primary cells with lentiviral vectors.
• Cell-line and/or primary-cell culture experience; cell sorting is a plus.
• Experience optimizing or running immunofluorescence or fluorescence in situ hybridization assays.
• Experience optimizing or running Western blots or automated Western blots such as Wes or Jess.
• Experience with ddPCR/qPCR platforms and analysis software such as QX200, QXOne, and CFX Maestro; RNA extraction and RT-qPCR.
• Experience with column- and bead-based nucleic acid extraction, liquid handlers, and quality-control instruments such as KingFisher Apex, Hamilton, Stunner, TapeStation, and Qubit.
• Familiarity with molecular biology and genetics, software such as SnapGene or Geneious, and electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Experience with data-analysis tools such as JMP.
• Experience analyzing data in Excel, including intermediate skills such as lookup functions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and run custom ddPCR assays, including primer and probe design, to measure gene-editing outcomes in cell therapy products.
• Perform qPCR and ddPCR workflows on gene-edited samples and refine analytical approaches for lentiviral vector characterization.
• Extract, clean up, and assess the quality of nucleic acids from primary cells and cell lines.
• Optimize PCR parameters for targeted analyses.
• Design and execute experiments, independently analyze and interpret large, complex datasets, and communicate findings that inform team decisions.
• Troubleshoot technical issues, identify practical solutions, and contribute ideas for new methods and continuous improvement.
• Maintain detailed, timely electronic laboratory notebook documentation and proactively update the team on progress.
• Coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to deliver results and implement molecular analytical methods for cell therapy.
• Represent the department or team on broader program or project teams as needed.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory work and priorities to meet deliverables.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit plans, including wellbeing support, retirement and financial protection benefits, and medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance offerings, subject to plan terms and eligibility.
• Flexible Time Off for eligible U.S.-based exempt employees, subject to manager approval.
• For eligible non-exempt employees, RayzeBio employees, and employees located in Puerto Rico: 160 hours of paid vacation annually for new hires, subject to manager approval.
• 11 paid company holidays each year.
• Three optional holidays for eligible non-exempt employees, RayzeBio employees, and employees located in Puerto Rico.
• Depending on eligibility, paid sick leave, up to two paid volunteer days per year, summer-hours flexibility, and leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, or military needs.
• Eligible employees may receive an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
• Potential eligibility for discretionary incentive cash and stock opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior