Senior Principal Scientist, Cell Therapy Research, Molecular Immunobiology and Discovery Team

Bristol-Myers Squibb • Seattle, WA

82d • $191,860 - $232,492 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Cell Therapy Molecular Immunobiology and Discovery team is seeking a highly motivated, dynamic and self-driven individual to help us deliver on this critical goal and drive innovation in molecular design, lentiviral and AAV engineering, and viral and non-viral production methods. Molecular design and gene delivery are the foundation of our cell therapies, and innovations in this space will drive the future of our next-generation cellular therapeutic pipeline at BMS, enabling us to bring best-in-class engineered drugs to our patients. This role will primarily focus on designing and validating novel molecular cargoes, backbones, and viral particles, optimizing methods for generating research-grade virus for early-stage CAR T programs, and working with our automation team to innovate novel pipelines to increase efficiency of production and transduction. The ideal candidate is an experienced molecular biologist and virologist with a strong background in technology development and viral vector engineering. They will have an in-depth conceptual and practical understanding of viral vector and cell engineering strategies, and knowledge of key challenges related to transgene delivery in vitro and in vivo. This role will provide a challenging but rewarding opportunity for career development and is ideal for a seasoned scientist with an innovative mindset. Previous experience in cellular therapy, industry or academic, is preferred.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree with 10+ years of academic and/or industry experience, or Master's Degree with 8+ years of academic and/or industry experience, or Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences with 6+ years of academic and/or industry experience.

Nice To Haves

• Strong expertise in virology, preferably lentivirology, with some experience with other viruses and non-viral delivery methods.
• Strong understanding of the principles of gene regulation, and in optimizing expression and function of transgenic cargoes.
• Extensive experience with delivery of molecular cargoes into human cell lines and primary cells, ideally T cells.
• Strong understanding of and experience in molecular characterization to understand and optimize transgene expression and function.
• Ability to multitask, independently organize time, and plan specifics of work.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills demonstrated in a team environment.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to identify and implement creative solutions.
• Willingness to think outside the box, be creative and ability to work in a very fast paced, ever changing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to develop innovative molecular engineering strategies and viral production methods to improve expression, function, and throughput.
• Design experiments, organize and analyze results and communicate progress to the group.
• Evaluate and prioritize molecular technologies, gene delivery cassettes and viral platforms, and deliver complete data packages to allow for timely Go/No Go decisions.
• Collaborate with SMEs, inside and outside the team, to evaluate the functional impact of proposed novel engineering strategies on performance of our CAR and eTCR cell products.
• Work with other team members and team leaders to enable adoption of novel methods and designs in ongoing programs.
• Lead a matrixed group of Scientist(s) and Research Associate(s), and under the direct, but limited supervision of management.
• Understand the context, impact and timely communication of data.

Benefits

• Medical, pharmacy, dental and vision care.
• Wellbeing support such as the BMS Living Life Better program and employee assistance programs (EAP).
• Financial well-being resources and a 401(K).
• Financial protection benefits such as short- and long-term disability, life insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection and survivor support.
• Work-life programs include paid national holidays and optional holidays, Global Shutdown Days between Christmas and New Year's holiday, up to 120 hours of paid vacation, up to two (2) paid days to volunteer, sick time off, and summer hours flexibility.
• Parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military leave.
• Family care services such as adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, fertility/infertility benefits, support for traveling mothers, and child, elder and pet care resources.
• Other perks like tuition reimbursement and a recognition program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree