Job Details
Principal Scientist, Gene Engineered Cell Therapy
At Bristol Myers Squibb, we are inspired by a single vision – transforming patients’ lives through science. In oncology, hematology, immunology and cardiovascular disease – and one of the most diverse and promising pipelines in the industry – each of our passionate colleagues contribute to innovations that drive meaningful change. We bring a human touch to every treatment we pioneer. Join us and make a difference.
The Immuno-Oncology and Cellular Therapy Thematic Research Center is one of the fundamental research and early development engines delivering therapeutics to patients. Our mission is to drive leadership in the use of immune effector cell-based therapies in hematological and solid cancers. More specifically, we are focused on developing engineered cell-based therapies, as well as biotherapeutics, both aimed at harnessing the power of immune cells to mediate anti-tumor activity. The team integrates discovery research seamlessly with preclinical sciences, translational research and early clinical development in collaboration with colleagues across the Research and Development organization. Our thematic focus allows the group to capitalize on the cutting edge science that underpins the action of many of the company’s most innovative therapeutics, without being constrained by drug modality or disease indication.
The Cell Therapy Engineering and Gene Editing Team is seeking a highly motivated, dynamic and self-driven individual to help us deliver on this critical goal and drive the development of our gene editing platform for cell therapy engineering using viral and non-viral delivery modalities. This role will also focus on designing and validating novel engineering strategies for our next-generation allogeneic CAR T products. The ideal candidate is an experienced molecular immunologist with a strong background in technology development and T cell immunology. The successful candidate will have in-depth conceptual and practical understanding of cell therapeutics engineering strategies, and an understanding of key challenges related to the implementation of gene editing technologies. This role will provide a challenging but rewarding opportunity for career development and is ideal for a seasoned scientist with an innovative cell engineering mindset. A previous experience in cellular therapy, industry or academic, is preferred.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Develop innovative strategies for allogeneic T cell engineering and gene editing applications.
Design experiments, organize and analyze results and communicate progress to the group.
Evaluate and prioritize novel gene editing strategies and deliver complete data packages to allow for timely Go/No Go decisions.
Collaborate with SME, inside and outside the team, to evaluate the functional impact of proposed novel engineering strategies on CAR and eTCR cell products.
Interface with the cell therapy development organization to evaluate at-scale feasibility/performances of research-scale proof-of-concepts.
Work with other team members and team leaders to modify SOPs (for single and multiplexed gene editing applications) and to implement novel strategies in ongoing programs.
Lead a 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.
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. degree in Bioengineering, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Molecular Immunology, Cancer Biology or Chemical Engineering with at least 3 years of successful post-doctoral experience, evidenced by a strong publication record, plus a minimum of 3 years of successful experience as a bench scientist preferably in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry setting; or a Master’s degree with at least 12 years work experience or Bachelor’s degree in scientific discipline with at least 14 years work experience.
Strong expertise in gene editing using both viral and non-viral nucleic acid delivery to primary cells, preferably T cells.
Extensive experience with gene editing technologies (CRISPR-based preferred) in human cell lines and primary cells.
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.
Preferred Qualifications
Industry experience in adoptive engineered T-cell therapeutics (CAR-T or eTCR).
Experience with viral and non-viral gene delivery for gene therapy products.
Experience with in vitro technologies typically employed to assess T cell functionality including but not limited to MSD, IncuCyte-based assays, multi-parameter flow cytometry for phenotypic characterization of T cells, T cell activation assays, T cell proliferation analysis, imaging.
Experience with small molecule screens in the context of CRISPR-based genetic modulation.
Around the world, we are passionate about making an impact on the lives of patients with serious diseases. Empowered to apply our individual talents and diverse perspectives in an inclusive culture, our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.
Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives.
Physical presence at the BMS worksite or physical presence in the field is an essential job function of this role which the Company deems critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, employee well-being and engagement, and enhances the Company culture.
To protect the safety of our workforce, customers, patients and communities, the policy of the Company requires all employees and workers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have received an exception based on an approved request for a medical or religious reasonable accommodation. Therefore, all BMS applicants seeking a role located in the U.S. and Puerto Rico must confirm that they have already received or are willing to receive the full COVID-19 vaccination by their start date as a qualification of the role and condition of employment. This requirement is subject to state and local law restrictions and may not be applicable to employees working in certain jurisdictions such as Montana. This requirement is also subject to discussions with collective bargaining representatives in the U.S.
Our company is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request an approval of accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application or if you are applying to a role based in the U.S. or Puerto Rico and you believe that you are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief, during or any part of the recruitment process, please direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
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