Senior Scientist, Discovery Biology

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The Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center at BMS is a fundamental Oncology research engine delivering oncology and hematology therapeutics to patients. The TRC has a major focus on exploiting BMS’ expertise in protein degradation to discover and develop therapies aimed at tumor intrinsic vulnerabilities and mechanisms of resistance to existing cancer therapeutics. This focus on protein degradation allows us to attack protein classes that were previously deemed undruggable.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Cancer Biologist to join the Molecular Pharmacology discovery biology team at the Protein Homeostasis TRC in San Diego, CA. The qualified candidate should be a self-motivated and creative cancer biologist who possesses substantial expertise in and passion for cancer biology and genetics, with a keen eye for novel therapeutic opportunities to address well defined patient populations. The individual will support and lead the discovery of novel targeted protein degradation drugs for solid tumor. The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment to explore disease biology enabling identification of novel drug targets; develop and implement robust cellular assays to support discovery of small molecules as clinical development candidates; design and execute research strategies that further our understanding of the mechanisms of novel compounds and targets; and develop collaborations and interact with external partners relevant to the target discovery efforts. The desired candidate should have broad experience in cancer biology and in vitro cell culture techniques and a willingness to learn and adapt to any direction a project may take them. The candidate is expected to be able to work as an independent scientist, but also extensively collaborate or coordinate with other functional areas and contribute as part of a team to make project-based decisions. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting scientific results to multidisciplinary teams. This role is a primarily bench-facing cancer biology research position.

Position Responsibilities

In the role as a Senior Scientist within the Molecular Pharmacology team, the ideal candidate:

Based on literature and internal data, formulate mechanistic hypothesis for drug discovery projects and design and execute experiments to test these hypotheses

Find, establish, and execute techniques or assays that are key for understanding mechanism of action of selected compounds/targets

Develop new drug discovery projects based on literature and mining of existing data sets

Utilize and develop disease models to design target validation studies and relevant assays in support of SAR

Collaborate with colleagues in other functional areas including informatics and translational research to generate testable hypotheses that will validate novel targets and solidify patient selection hypotheses

Accurately maintain written reports and present results in an organized and timely manner

Communicate effectively, foster teamwork and contribute to project strategy discussions

Strong commitment to quality and demonstrate adaptability

Experience

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree

7+ years of academic and / or industry experience

or

Master’s Degree

5+ years of academic and / or industry experience

or

Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences

2+ of academic and / or industry experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D. degree in cancer biology or related field with 3+ years of relevant academic or industry research experience in cancer biology, oncology target validation and/or drug discovery

In-depth knowledge of molecular drivers of cancer

Experience with preclinical models of solid tumors (2D and 3D spheroids and organoids, and cancer stem cells)

Experience with CRISPR based technologies and cloning to interrogate targets and biological pathways

Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to effectively present scientific data and concepts to international standards

Experience with targeted protein degradation technologies and molecular glue approaches is a plus

A proven track record in the field of cancer biology/genetics, as evidenced by publication record

Specific requirements:

Strong molecular and cell biology skillsets

Excellent capabilities in critical thinking and problem solving; able to independently design and efficiently execute experiments in the lab; capable of deliver high quality data in a timely manner

Cell culture, plate-based assays (eg CTG, annexin V), CRISPR, RNAi, cloning

Lentiviral expression, qPCR, western blotting, FACS, Immunofluorescence, live cell imaging

Windows, MS Office, graphing software (eg PRISM)

Capable of leading yet willing to support teams

Ability to work in a fast-paced dynamic team environment; flexibility to adapt to changes with a positive attitude and independently collaborate across teams, requiring excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with strong interpersonal skills

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If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn’t perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.

Compensation Overview:

San Diego - CA - US: $131,590 - $159,454


The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee’s work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.

Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit https://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.

Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:

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