Sr Associate Scientist, Neuroscience, Exploratory Biology

Sr Associate Scientist, Neuroscience, Exploratory Biology

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.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated scientist to join our neuroscience exploratory biology group. This role will focus on characterizing disease-relevant biology using primary and iPSC-derived neuronal and glial systems, supporting target validation and mechanism-of-action studies to advance early-stage neuroscience programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments to explore neurobiological mechanisms underlying disease-relevant pathways
• Culture and maintain primary neuronal cultures, iPSC-derived neurons and glia, and other neuroscience-relevant in vitro systems
• Perform target validation studies, including genome editing and genetic perturbation approaches
• Conduct mechanism-of-action studies to characterize compound or genetic effects on neuronal and glial biology
• Apply immunofluorescence, microscopy, and high-content imaging/analysis to assess cellular phenotypes
• Perform qPCR, JESS, ELISA and MEA to support molecular, biochemical and functional characterization
• Analyze, document, and present data with rigor and reproducibility; contribute to experimental design discussions
• Collaborate cross-functionally with computational biology, translational, and drug discovery teams
• Stay current with neuroscience literature and contribute scientific insight to project strategy

  Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or a related field plus 4+ years of relevant experience
  • Or a Master's degree plus 2+ years of relevant experience

    Preferred Qualifications

    • Hands-on academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical experience, including mammalian cell culture
    • Experience in assay development, target validation, genome editing, genetic perturbation, and mechanism-of-action studies
    • Proficiency in qPCR, JESS, ELISA, immunofluorescence, microscopy, high-content imaging and analysis
    • Direct experience with primary neuronal cultures, iPSC-derived neurons and glia, and other neuroscience-relevant in vitro systems strongly preferred
    • Ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, document, analyze, and present reproducible experiments
    • Data analysis or visualization experience desirable
    • Strong organizational and communication skills; able to work independently and cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment
    • Curiosity, initiative, adaptability, attention to detail, problem-solving, and commitment to scientific rigor, safety, and data quality
    • Strong foundational neuroscience knowledge preferred

      We hire for skills and capabilities, not just credentials – if this role excites you, but doesn't perfectly match your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway.