Principal Scientist, Molecular Genomics

Bristol Myers Squibb; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Bristol Myers Squibb is seeking a Principal Scientist to develop and optimize molecular biomarker assays for translational medicine and clinical programs. This laboratory-based role emphasizes PCR/NGS genomics and transcriptomics, with leadership in assay strategy, technology evaluation, and vendor oversight.

The candidate will design, validate, and execute assays, analyze data, and collaborate with data analysis, biostatistics, and clinical operations to inform trial decisions and pipeline

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of academic and/or industry experience.
• Master's degree with 6+ years of experience in life sciences.
• Ph.D. with 4+ years of academic and industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of genomics biomarker assays for translational medicine.
• Evaluate molecular assay technologies and platforms for program needs.
• Design, qualify, validate, and execute biomarker assays supporting clinical studies.
• Generate and interpret qualification and validation datasets for clinical deployment.
• Oversee lab operations, data quality, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Provide scientific guidance and mentor junior scientists to advance genomics workflows.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

Master's degree in Life Sciences

Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in Life Sciences

Job description

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 .

Position Summary

The Principal Scientist is responsible for developing, optimizing, qualifying, validating, and executing molecular biomarker assays to support translational medicine and clinical programs. This laboratory-based role focuses on PCR and NGS-based genomics and transcriptomics technologies, including gene expression profiling (GEP), genotyping, variant analysis, ctDNA, and related molecular platforms. The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership in assay strategy, technology evaluation, biomarker development, clinical sample analysis, vendor oversight, and cross-functional collaboration to generate high-quality genomics data that informs clinical trial decision-making and advances Bristol Myers Squibb's research and development pipeline.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of genomics and transcriptomics biomarker strategies for translational medicine and clinical programs.
• Select and evaluate molecular assay technologies and platforms based on program, protocol, and biological requirements.
• Design, develop, optimize, qualify, validate, and execute biomarker assays supporting clinical and translational research.
• Support genomic and gene expression profiling (GEP) assays, pharmacodynamic assays, target engagement assays, predictive assays, prognostic assays, and technology platform development.
• Develop assay qualification and validation plans, protocols, reports, and associated technical documentation.
• Generate, analyze, and interpret qualification and validation datasets to support fit-for-purpose clinical assay deployment.
• Perform hands‑on laboratory work utilizing PCR, qPCR, NGS, gene expression, genotyping, variant analysis, and related molecular technologies.
• Troubleshoot assay performance issues and implement corrective actions to ensure assay robustness and reproducibility.
• Oversee clinical sample analysis and assay execution performed internally or through external vendors.
• Review assay quality control metrics, assay performance data, and study deliverables.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on genomics technologies, assay performance, data quality, and biomarker strategies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, assay methodologies, sample preparation kits, and workflow improvements.
• Conduct due diligence assessments and pilot studies to determine feasibility and applicability of new technologies.
• Lead technology transfer activities and support implementation of new platforms and workflows.
• Draft and maintain experimental plans, qualification protocols, validation reports, SOPs, work instructions, study reports, and technology transfer documents.
• Collaborate closely with data analysis, biostatistics, sample management, clinical operations, project management, and other cross‑functional teams.
• Participate in biomarker execution teams, clinical study teams, and internal/external scientific collaborations.
• Provide scientific guidance and technical expertise to functional stakeholders and program teams.
• Maintain accurate and compliant records of experiments, procedures, and study activities.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the development of a highly efficient and innovative genomics laboratory environment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, operational excellence, and best practices across genomics workflows and processes.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related discipline with 8+ years of academic and/or industry experience; or
• Master's degree in Life Sciences or related discipline with 6+ years of academic and/or industry experience; or
• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in Life Sciences with 4+ years of academic and