Senior Principal Scientist, Molecular Assays & Genomics Team Lead (Cell Therapy Translational Research)
About The Position
Bristol Myers Squibb’s Cell Therapy Translational Research group is seeking a scientific leader to direct the Molecular Assays & Genomics team in Seattle. The team develops and implements molecular biomarker assays to support translational research, clinical development, and patient-safety assessments across cell and gene therapy programs. The role combines molecular and genomics expertise, scientific judgment, people leadership, and experience advancing fit-for-purpose assays into clinical use. The team lead owns molecular and genomic assay strategy, scientific standards, and capability development for the platform. The role leads assay development, qualification or validation, transfer, clinical implementation, and lifecycle management across DNA- and RNA-based technologies. It provides scientific oversight of assay design, performance, data quality, technical interpretation, and issue resolution, and directs molecular testing approaches for cellular persistence, pharmacodynamic and exploratory biomarkers, vector or transgene detection, clonality, genomic characterization, and safety-event investigations. The role also partners with translational program and safety stakeholders, evaluates internal and external laboratory capabilities, represents the function in cross-functional discussions, and advances technologies and team capabilities. The position is based in Seattle, Washington. The role is assigned a work model based on its responsibilities, but the specific model is not stated in the posting.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 10 or more years of academic and/or industry experience; or a master’s degree and 8 or more years; or a Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the life sciences and 6 or more years.
- At least 2 years of leadership experience.
- Demonstrated expertise with DNA- and RNA-based technologies, such as ddPCR, next-generation sequencing, or related molecular platforms.
- Experience leading fit-for-purpose assay development, qualification or validation, transfer, and clinical implementation, including use with diverse clinical sample types.
- Experience applying molecular assays to translational research, exploratory clinical endpoints, or patient-safety assessments.
- Knowledge of assay validation principles and experience working with CAP/CLIA, GCLP, GLP, or similarly controlled laboratories.
- Demonstrated experience leading technical teams, mentoring scientists, setting scientific priorities, and influencing decisions in a matrixed environment through effective communication and cross-functional collaboration.
Nice To Haves
- Ph.D. in molecular biology, molecular genetics, genomics, or a related life sciences discipline with 6 or more years of relevant industry experience, or a master’s degree with 8 or more years of relevant industry experience.
- Significant experience developing and implementing clinical molecular or genomic assays for translational research in pharmaceutical or biotechnology settings.
- Cell and gene therapy experience.
- Understanding of genomic applications such as whole-genome sequencing, integration site analysis, vector or transgene detection, TCR sequencing, targeted mutation testing, or clonality assessment.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Molecular Assays & Genomics team, including scientific direction, people leadership, portfolio prioritization, mentoring, and talent development.
- Serve as the department subject matter expert for molecular and genomic testing, owning assay strategy, scientific standards, and platform capability development.
- Translate translational and safety questions into fit-for-purpose molecular and genomic assay approaches that support program decisions and pipeline development.
- Lead assay development, qualification or validation, transfer, clinical implementation, and lifecycle management across DNA- and RNA-based technologies.
- Provide scientific and technical leadership across q/ddPCR, RT-qPCR, next-generation sequencing, gene-expression profiling, and emerging molecular platforms.
- Partner with Translational Program Leads, Translational Safety, and other stakeholders to align molecular assessments with program objectives.
- Oversee assay design, performance, data quality, technical interpretation, and issue resolution to ensure reliable, decision-ready results.
- Evaluate internal and external laboratory capabilities and lead laboratory selection, assay placement, technical scopes of work, performance oversight, and troubleshooting.
- Lead molecular testing approaches supporting cell and gene therapy development, including cellular persistence, pharmacodynamic and exploratory biomarkers, vector or transgene detection, clonality, genomic characterization, and investigation of safety-related events.
- Assess and advance molecular and genomic technologies to address portfolio needs, improve cross-program consistency, and expand future capabilities.
- Represent the Molecular Assays & Genomics function and communicate scientific recommendations, risks, and decisions to cross-functional stakeholders.
- Foster scientific rigor, innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits, including wellbeing support, retirement and financial protection benefits, and medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance offerings, subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility.
- U.S.-based exempt employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off without a set accrual limit, subject to manager approval, and 11 paid company holidays each year.
- Depending on eligibility, additional time-off benefits may include 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.
- Additional discretionary incentive cash and stock opportunities may be available.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
