Principal Scientist

Working with Us
Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren’t 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. You’ll 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 Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center at BMS San Diego is seeking a Principal Scientist to join our Discovery Biology department. As a key scientific leader, you will drive genome engineering, target validation, and mechanism of action strategy across our hematology and oncology pipeline, with a strong focus on Acute Myeloid Leukemia and targeted protein degradation. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of cutting-edge biology and drug discovery, where your work will directly influence clinical advancement decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Genome Engineering & Cell Biology Platform Leadership

• Lead the genome engineering and cell line development platform supporting diverse oncology and hematology discovery programs

• Apply deep expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 (KO/KI/Activation), non-viral transposases, and lentiviral systems to generate isogenic disease models and SAR assay systems

• Design and implement high-throughput automation workflows to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs

• Develop novel cell-based SAR assays supporting E3 ubiquitin ligase-mediated TPD programs from hit-to-lead through clinical advancement

Target Validation & Mechanism of Action Leadership

• Lead target validation efforts for new and emerging discovery projects, defining experimental strategies to establish therapeutic relevance of novel targets in AML and related hematologic malignancies

• Design and oversee validation frameworks integrating CRISPR-KO, RNAi, CRISPRa, proteomics, transcriptomics, and functional cell biology

• Serve as primary scientific authority on target biology for assigned programs, evaluating and de-risking new targets prior to full drug discovery investment

• Generate and interpret MOA data packages pivotal for IND filings, clinical trial milestones, and regulatory submissions

Scientific Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as Biology Lead on discovery project teams, providing strategic scientific direction and experimental guidance

• Lead multidisciplinary scientific discussions and represent Discovery Biology at internal and external forums (e.g., ASH, AACR)

• Mentor and develop junior scientists and postdoctoral researchers

• Manage external CRO relationships and coordinate multi-site collaborations for high-priority discovery projects

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives including automation development and OPEX reduction strategies

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

• Ph.D. in Cellular/Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field with 7+ years of post-doctoral experience

• Demonstrated expertise in CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering and non-viral gene integration systems

• Hands-on experience in Targeted Protein Degradation, including E3 ubiquitin ligase biology and degrader SAR programs

• Proven track record of advancing discovery assets into clinical trials, including IND-enabling data package generation

• Experience with automation platforms and high-throughput screening

• Strong communication skills with experience authoring scientific manuscripts and presenting at conferences

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals in oncology, hematology, or genome engineering preferred

Why BMS San Diego?

Our San Diego site is home to a dynamic, cross-functional discovery organization where genome engineering and cell biology platforms are central to advancing our clinical pipeline. You'll work alongside leading scientists in a collaborative environment with access to world-class tools, technologies, and resources — all focused on delivering transformative therapies to patients.

#LI-Onsite

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.

San Diego - CA - US: $149,390 - $181,023


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 Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays

Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.

All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.

*Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.

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.

Supporting People with Disabilities

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.

Candidate Rights

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: https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/

Data Protection

We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection.

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

If you believe that the job posting is missing information required by local law or incorrect in any way, please contact BMS at TAEnablement@bms.com. Please provide the Job Title and Requisition number so we can review. Communications related to your application should not be sent to this email and you will not receive a response. Inquiries related to the status of your application should be directed to Chat with Ripley.

R1604351 : Principal Scientist