Principal Scientist, Oncology Discovery Biology

  • Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • Full Time

Working with Us
Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those arent words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. Youll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.

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. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us .

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

The role of Principal Scientist, Oncology Discovery Biology, within the Oncology TRC at BMS, is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative oncology pipeline. The qualified candidate will be a highly motivated, interactive, and creative individual that possesses the ability to work across a matrixed environment to advance drug discovery programs from target validation to IND enabling activities, and ultimately to Proof of Concept in patients. Experience leading small molecule, drug discovery programs through lead optimization and characterization will be highly valued.

The candidate will be responsible for developing and executing strategies using a wide range of in vitro and in vivo models. The candidate is expected to work seamlessly with colleagues across BMS Thematic Research Centers and collaborators in medicinal chemistry, DMPK, preclinical safety, pharmacology, translational research, and early clinical development. The candidate will lead efforts to understand biological mechanisms of action, identify biomarkers for target and pathway engagement, understand target engagement requirements for response, potential patient selection hypotheses and combination opportunities in disease relevant models.

Position Responsibilities

In the role as a Principal Scientist within Oncology Discovery Biology, the ideal candidate:

  • Lead highly matrixed small molecule discovery programs from target concept to IND.

  • Independently design, execute, and oversee significant in vitro experiments to inform the discovery and development of pre-clinical small molecule assets.

  • Leverage current and new biological techniques for target validation, assay development, hit identification and lead optimization and selection of drug candidates

  • Champion innovative experimental techniques and technologies, including medium-throughput scalable assay development, target-specific mechanistic biology, and the evaluation of monotherapy and combination anti-cancer efficacy of assets.

  • Collaborate with functional area leads e.g. pharmacology, DMPK, informatics and predictive science to drive programs forward, including helping to define program priorities and risks.

  • Apply extensive technical knowledge to address small molecule mechanism of action

  • Present complex concepts to a range of audiences including governance and full team project meetings.

  • Guide the maturation and risk mitigation of novel therapeutic concepts.

  • Build and maintain communication networks across the Oncology Research Team and the broader organization.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelors Degree

  • 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Or

  • Masters 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

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

  • Over 4 years of experience in industry settings

  • Proficiency in small molecule drug discovery, including the identification and validation of novel small molecule therapeutics

  • Expertise in designing high-throughput cell-based assays, and experience in supporting the transition of small molecule assets to clinical settings

  • In-depth knowledge of tumor intrinsic mechanisms, resistance to cancer therapies, DNA damage response (DDR), genome instability, and replication stress

  • Familiarity with relevant databases (e.g., CCLE, Sanger, DepMap, etc.) and -omic techniques (e.g., proteomics, sequencing, transcriptomics).

  • Competence in summarizing and interpreting complex scientific data clearly, concisely, and accurately

  • Strong communication skills with peers, supervisors, and governance committees

  • Excellent problem-solving abilities and a solid understanding of complex scientific concepts

  • Attention to detail and strong reasoning skills in experimental design, data analysis, statistical methods, and interpretation

  • Independence, self-motivation, resourcefulness, and strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills

Additional Information

  • This is an individual contributor role (no direct reports)

  • Laboratory work: About 50%

  • Travel: Less than 10%

  • Location: Cambridge, MA

#LI-Onsite

If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesnt 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.

Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as Transforming patients lives through science , every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.

On-site Protocol

BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:

Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.

BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com . Visit careers.bms.com/ eeo -accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

BMS cares about your well-being and the well-being of our staff, customers, patients, and communities. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that all employees be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and keep up to date with Covid-19 boosters.

BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.

If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information:

Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.

Job ID: 477830045
Originally Posted on: 5/20/2025

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