Principal Scientist, Discovery BioSciences Genomics, Oncology TRC

Principal Scientist, Discovery BioSciences Genomics, Oncology TRC

At Bristol Myers Squibb, our employees often ask, “Who are you working for?”—a question that fuels collaboration, accountability, and urgency in our work. Our purpose-driven culture inspires us to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to prevail over serious diseases. We offer uniquely interesting and meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment that values inclusion, wellbeing, flexibility, and comprehensive benefits. This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it.

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.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced and talented Principal Scientist to join our Discovery Biosciences Genomics team. This individual will play a key role in advancing our oncology drug discovery programs, with a focus on multi-omics approaches including genomics, functional genomics, next-generation sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics to support next-generation target identification, validation, mechanism of action, biomarker, and translational research studies. This position is heavily focused on wet lab work, contributing to cutting-edge research projects aimed at understanding cancer biology, identifying novel drug targets, and developing new therapeutic approaches. The role includes implementing and running advanced genomics technologies (such as single-cell RNA seq, spatial transcriptomics, NGS workflows) and functional genomics assays (CRISPR screening, model engineering, novel screening modalities) to support projects in multiple areas including target identification and validation, and translational research in a cross-functional environment with minimal supervision. The successful candidate will bring deep scientific expertise, creative problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset to drive impactful research working in a cross-functional high-paced environment.

Location Cambridge Crossing, MA

Position Responsibilities

In the role as a Principal Scientist within the Discovery Biosciences Genomics team, the ideal candidate will:

• Conduct full-time laboratory-based research supporting target identification, oncology drug discovery with minimal supervision
• Take initiative in experimental design, development and optimization of genomics and functional assays to evaluate therapeutic candidates and decipher mechanism of action
• Implement and execute novel genomic assays, such as single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and functional genomics screening strategies
• Manage and support various research projects and collaborations across the early oncology portfolio, asset progression and translational research space.
• Run and/or supervise standard NGS workflows and assays
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support the Oncology portfolio, working closely with Discovery Biology, Predictive Sciences, Computational Genomics and other functional area groups
• Communicate project updates and results, maintain accurate ELN/LIMS documentation, analyze and interpret experimental data, and present findings contributing to the preparation of technical reports, publications, and presentations
• Train and assist other team and site members, working collaboratively in a matrixed environment

  Experience =

  Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience

    Or

    • Master's Degree
    • 6+ years of academic and / or industry experience

      Or

      • Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences
      • 4+ years of academic and / or industry experience

        Preferred Qualifications:

        • PhD with 4+ years of relevant experience with a strong scientific mindset and a solid foundation for the application of novel genomics, functional genomics, and spatial technologies
        • Extensive hands-on experience with advanced genomics technologies, including single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics (10x Visium HD, Bruker CosMx, 10x Xenium), RNA-seq, WGS, WES, qPCR, dPCR, custom RNA/DNA isolation, NGS library construction and sequencing, high-throughput molecular assays, automation, data analysis, and data interpretation
        • Strong experience developing and applying gene perturbation and functional genomics methods, including CRISPR-mediated genome editing and screening, siRNA/shRNA knockdown, nucleofection, and lentiviral delivery
        • Proven track record designing, developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting molecular and cellular assays and innovative methodologies
        • Strong foundation with broad experience applying genomic and functional genomic approaches to understand disease biology, identify and validate targets, and support biomarker discovery. Cancer biology experience preferred but not required
        • Hands-on experience with cellular and molecular biology techniques, including 2D and 3D cell culture, complex cellular models, organoids, immune and stromal cell co-cultures, high-content imaging, flow cytometry, cell proliferation and reporter assays, molecular cloning, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, ELISA, MSD, and proteomics
        • Experience with cancer model development, in vivo studies, donor sample handling, FFPE and clinical samples, and cell separation technologies such as FACS and microfluidics
        • Familiarity with large-scale oncology datasets such as DepMap, cBioPortal, and TCGA to generate and test hypotheses
        • Proficiency in data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism and FlowJo, with familiarity in bioinformatics, AI, and machine-learning approaches for genomics and spatial transcriptomics
        • Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively and manage collaborations across multiple groups in a highly collaborative environment
        • Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with familiarity using Jira, LIMS, Confluence, or other project-management solutions