Senior Principal Scientist, Drug Product Analytical Science and Technology (ASAT), Cell Therapy

Bristol Myers Squibb • Seattle, WA

1d • $152,820 - $185,184 • Hybrid

About The Position

This technical leadership role is a highly experienced subject matter expert in molecular biology analytical methods and related areas, responsible for leading the design, execution, and interpretation of complex, high impact scientific programs. This role will manage a team responsible for method optimization, transfer, and validation in support of Cell Therapy analytical portfolio. Conceptualize and lead complex projects, provides strategic scientific and technical input to the programs and projects. Apply technical knowledge, regulatory requirements, and scientific principles to independently perform complex troubleshooting and problem solving. The Senior Principal Scientist balances deep hands-on laboratory engagement with cross-functional leadership, mentoring, and delivering enterprise-level impact.

Requirements

• Strong scientific background and expertise with various molecular methodologies including those related to lentiviral, AAV vectors and other gene delivery platforms.
• Demonstrated advanced technical writing skills.
• Highly advanced strategic thinking and problem-solving ability/mentality, technically adept and logical.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced matrix environment, meet deadlines, and prioritize work from multiple projects.
• Track record of scientific productivity as evidenced by publications, presentations, or equivalent internal contributions.
• Advanced ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with peers, senior management and cross-functional peers about task status, roadblocks and needs, locally and globally.
• Highly advanced technical skills, including execution, and interpretation of complex, high-impact scientific, multi-dimensional data in support of commercial QC analytical methods.
• Expert at writing formal reports/documents and technical presentations in support of investigations and regulatory submission.
• Advance biopharmaceutical industry experience with a clear and sustained track record of scientific leadership, innovation, and impact.
• Able to translate complex science for diverse audiences.
• Advanced mentoring, coaching, influencing, negotiating and personnel interaction skills.
• Ability to travel to support projects as needed.
• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree preferably in (bioanalytical) science.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in regulated cellular therapy or gene therapy, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Expert scientific knowledge with a broad range of molecular techniques including lentiviral, AAV vectors and other gene delivery platforms.
• Deep expertise with the characterization, validation, and transfer of bioanalytical methods lifecycle.
• Experience providing training in method execution as well as instrument operation and standardization.
• Experience in cGMP regulations and application within the Quality Control environment.
• Understanding of FDA, EMA, ICH, USP, and EP guidelines and regulations associated with the quality control of viral vectors, cell therapies, vaccines and/or biological products.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in bioanalytical techniques (cell-based assays, ELISA, flow cytometry) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team responsible for molecular biology method technical investigation, method optimization/remediations, method transfer and method validation in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Perform and/or direct team on hands-on laboratory work in support of commercial QC analytical methods investigation, remediation, and/or optimization.
• Connects lab-level science to portfolio strategy, pipeline value, and organizational mission.
• Critically evaluate experimental data across the team, identifying scientific risks and opportunities, and recommending course corrections as appropriate.
• Integrate scientific findings across multiple experiments and datasets to generate meaningful insights and advance program hypotheses.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in functional areas as needed.
• Make high-impact scientific and strategic decisions under conditions of uncertainty; balances scientific ambition with pragmatic risk management.
• Represent the department in product review boards, regulatory inspections (internal and external audits).
• Own and author relevant analytical sections of regulatory submission and responses to health authority questions and requests.
• Implement method lifecycle and method maintenance programs to support methods in support of viral vector and cell therapy drug products.
• Partner with development organizations in the design of development and qualification studies, selection and characterization of reagents, and method optimization initiatives.
• Represent ASAT interest on cross functional/ cross-site teams and communicate and collaborate effectively.
• Apply technical knowledge, regulatory requirements, and scientific principles to perform troubleshooting and problem solving for non-routine complex issues.
• Hire, mentor, and develop exceptional ASAT personnel.

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: Senior