Senior Scientist

Bristol Myers Squibb•San Diego, CA

1d•$131,590 - $159,454•Onsite

About The Position

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead the genome engineering and cell line development platform within the Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center (TRC) in San Diego. This role is crucial for advancing oncology and hematology therapeutics by exploiting expertise in protein degradation to target tumor-intrinsic vulnerabilities and resistance mechanisms. The TRC focuses on attacking previously undruggable protein classes. The San Diego site is a hub for discovery, utilizing genome engineering and cell biology platforms to progress the clinical pipeline. The Senior Scientist will apply expertise in CRISPR/Cas9, non-viral transposases, and lentiviral systems to create disease models and assay systems for E3 ubiquitin ligase and Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) programs. Responsibilities include designing automation workflows, validating drug mechanisms of action for IND filings, managing CRO collaborations, and providing molecular biology strategy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree with 7+ years of academic and / or industry experience
Master’s Degree with 5+ years of academic and / or industry experience
Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences with 2+ years of academic and / or industry experience
Demonstrated expertise in CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering (knockouts, knock-ins, transcriptional activation) and non-viral gene integration systems (e.g., transposase-mediated)
Hands-on experience in Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD), including E3 ubiquitin ligase biology, HiBiT/NanoBiT-based assay development, and degrader SAR programs
Proven track record of advancing discovery assets into clinical trials, including IND-enabling data package generation and validation of drug MOA
Experience generating isogenic disease models for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors (e.g., AML, hematologic cancers)
Strong proficiency in cell-based assay development and high-throughput screening, including pooled CRISPR library screens and multi-functional assay systems
Experience with automation platforms and process optimization for cell engineering at scale
Ability to independently manage CRO relationships and external collaborations as scientific project lead
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience authoring scientific manuscripts and contributing to conference presentations
Ability to work cross-functionally with medicinal chemistry, translational biology, and legal/IP teams

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Cellular and Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related Life Sciences discipline, with 7+ years of post-doctoral academic and/or industry experience
Publications in peer-reviewed journals in relevant fields (oncology, hematology, genome engineering) preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the genome engineering and cell line development platform, managing upstream cell line operations for diverse discovery groups across oncology and hematology programs.
Apply deep scientific expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 (KO/KI/Activation), non-viral transposases, and lentiviral systems to generate isogenic disease models, transgenic stable cell lines, and SAR assay systems.
Design and implement high-throughput automation workflows for cell engineering, reducing operational costs and timelines while maintaining high-quality deliverables.
Develop novel cell-based SAR assays and mechanistic models supporting E3 ubiquitin ligase-mediated targeted protein degradation programs from hit-to-lead optimization through clinical advancement.
Validate drug mechanisms of action via target gene perturbation (CRISPR-KO, RNAi) and phenotypic assays, generating pivotal data packages in support of IND filings and clinical trial milestones.
Adapt standard methods and develop new approaches, including large DNA fragment deletions, peptide-assisted editing, and inducible target protein degradation systems.
Integrate multi-platform data (Western blot, Luminex, Flow Cytometry) to drive research across medicinal chemistry and translational biology teams.
Lead multidisciplinary scientific discussions and present data clearly at team and cross-functional meetings; contribute to external conference presentations (e.g., ASH).
Represent the genome engineering function on program/project teams and sub-teams; provide molecular biology strategy and experimental guidance to peer scientists and leadership.
Manage external molecular biology/NGS CROs and coordinate multi-site collaborations for high-priority discovery projects.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives including automation platform development, CRO consolidation, and OPEX reduction strategies.

Benefits

Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
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) for US Exempt Employees.
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 for Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees.
Unlimited paid sick time (based on eligibility).
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.