Scientist - Discovery Biology, Oncology

Bristol Myers Squibb

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Oncology Thematic Research Center at BMS is a key research and early development engine, responsible for the discovery and development of novel oncology therapeutics for patients. Centered at our state-of-the-art research sites in Cambridge and Seattle, scientists focus on novel targets and pathways for tumors that are refractory to current therapies. With a deep understanding of the causal human biology, we are able to leverage our multiple modality platforms to best match the modality to the mechanism and desired outcome. We are a fully integrated drug discovery through translational and early clinical development organization which exploits state-of-the-art in vitro, in vivo and ex-vivo models of Cancer biology and Immuno-oncology to identify and validate targets. We partner closely with colleagues in Translational Medicine, Informatics and Predictive Sciences and Early Clinical Development to generate biomarker and patient enrichment hypotheses to enable efficient decision making in early clinical trials. We are optimally positioned to complement the world-class translational expertise, biology and leading academic research centers in the area. Our Bristol Myers Squibb research site in Cambridge Crossing will help us continue to deliver on our mission, positioning the company and our scientists in the heart of a vibrant ecosystem of world-class science, innovation, and business opportunities. Position Summary We are seeking an experienced individual with cancer research and oncology drug discovery expertise to join the Discovery Biology team within the Oncology Thematic Research Center at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Cambridge, MA. The qualified candidate is a highly motivated, interactive, creative scientist, with the ability to work across functions to advance small molecule programs from target discovery and validation to lead optimization, selection of drug candidate and IND-enabling biology related activities. This individual will be dedicated to designing and executing experimental studies related to the decisional progress of our programs from early stages all the way through IND filling. The candidate will be involved in executing biology bench studies that will advance the understanding of mechanism of action as well as developing various cellular assays to enable compound triaging and identification of potential drug candidate. In addition, the individual will work closely with other functions, such as informatics and predictive science, lead discovery and optimization, in vivo pharmacology, and translational research teams to design/execute work related to patient stratification, identification of appropriate PD markers and assay development/transfer for miniaturization, among others.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree 5+ years of academic and / or industry experience, industry experience is desired
• Or Master’s Degree 3+ years of academic and / or industry experience, industry experience is desired
• Or Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences
• No experience necessary

Nice To Haves

• Extensive knowledge and track record in cancer research and industry experience in oncology drug discovery, or Ph.D. with a strong publication record in top-tier peer reviewed journals
• Proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques relevant to small molecule drug discovery, including high-content imaging, cytotoxicity/proliferation assays (CyQuant, CTG, apoptosis, IncuCyte), flow cytometry, and cell line engineering.
• Antibody Drug Conjugate and DNA damage repair biology experience considered a plus
• Familiarity with novel assay development and orthogonal pathway combination studies to evaluate synergistic effects with cytotoxic payloads.
• Ability to efficiently manage and prioritize multiple projects, coordinating in-house research with collaborative work
• Ability to summarize and interpret scientific data in a clear, concise, and accurate manner
• Attention to detail with excellent organizational and record keeping skills is a requirement
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate well with peers and supervisors.
• Strong problem-solving skills and understanding of relevant scientific principles

Responsibilities

• Applies extensive scientific knowledge and technical skills to conduct molecular and cellular biology related studies to better understand target and disease biology
• Uses current and new technologies for function-based characterization for small molecule hit validation, mechanism of action understanding, and compound triaging/ranking
• Designs and executes molecular and cellular experiments independently, troubleshoots as needed, interprets and discusses data, with accurate, timely and detailed record-keeping
• Designing, optimizing, and executing molecular and cellular assays for cytotoxic payload screening, characterization, and mechanism of action studies
• Applying understanding of cancer biology to hypothesize and validate novel cytotoxic payloads and combination strategies
• Generating and characterizing relevant cancer cell models, including engineering drug-resistant lines and utilizing genetic tools (CRISPR, shRNA, siRNA, lentiviral overexpression).
• Conducting studies to evaluate small molecule or payload efficacy, selectivity, and synergy in 2D/3D/spheroid systems, and developing assays for cytotoxicity, proliferation, apoptosis, and high-content imaging.
• Collaborating closely with ADC biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and predictive science teams to enable seamless integration of payload screening data into program decision-making.
• Generates and characterizes relevant cell models, such as using genetic tools (CRISPR, shRNA, siRNA, lentiviral mediated target overexpression, etc.) and establishing drug-resistant cell lines
• Collaborates with rest of biology team members as well as other functional area leads e.g. pharmacology, DMPK, informatics and predictive science, etc.
• Communicates via email, meetings, and reports utilizing excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Makes presentations in small, multidisciplinary meetings, logically presenting data and interpretation to convey clear, key messages

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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree