Scientist, Sequencing and Plate-Based Assays

Bristol Myers Squibb; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth opportunities

Wellbeing programs

Flexible work environment

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Bristol Myers Squibb in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Senior Scientist to join the Analytical Development team, developing RNA therapeutic characterization methods and supporting GLP-compliant testing in the in vivo drug discovery pipeline. The ideal candidate has hands-on laboratory experience, a PhD in a related field, and a commitment to data quality.

Responsibilities include method development (NGS, Sanger, qPCR), mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration within research and process

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• 3–8 years of hands-on laboratory experience, preferably with RNA and/or LNPs.
• Proficiency with NGS and Sanger sequencing and plate-based assays (qPCR, ELISA, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop sequencing and plate-based assay methods for RNA therapeutics.
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data with clear reports.
• Contribute to writing regulatory documents and SOPs; train junior team members.
• Maintain GLP compliance and coordinate with vendors for equipment maintenance.

Skills

RNA sequencing

Sanger sequencing

qPCR

Plate-based assays

Data analysis

Independent work

Multitasking

Education

PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related

Tools

LIMS

GraphPad Prism

JMP

Excel

RNA characterization (RT-PCR, RNAseq)

Job description

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

Bristol Myers Squibb is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented (Senior) Scientist to join our Analytical Development team. In this role, you will develop new analytical methods for the characterization of RNA therapeutics, and support routine and non-routine analytical testing activities critical to the advancement of our in vivo non-viral drug discovery and development pipeline. The ideal candidate possesses hands-on laboratory experience, a strong scientific foundation, and a commitment to data quality and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop sequencing (both NGS and Sanger) and qPCR methods for RNA therapeutics
• Develop plate-based assays (e.g. ELISA, MSD)
• Explore new techniques and technologies to characterize RNA
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data with accuracy; prepare clear and concise lab reports and technical summaries
• Contribute to writing regulatory documents, method protocols and reports
• Train and mentor junior team members
• Execute and document laboratory experiments according to established SOPs, protocols, and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards
• Maintain laboratory equipment including calibration, troubleshooting, and coordination with vendors for preventive maintenance
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental health and safety (EHS) guidelines, and BMS corporate policies
• Contribute to cross-functional teams, collaborating with colleagues in research, process development, and formulations

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• 3–8 years of hands-on laboratory experience, preferably with RNA and/or LNPs, including academic research, internships, or industry roles.
• Proficiency with NGS and Sanger sequencing (sample preparation, instrumentation and data analysis)
• Proficiency with plate-based assays (qPCR, digital PCR, ELISA and others).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and present results to the team and the larger research community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry setting.
• Familiarity with QbD principles, ICH guidelines, analytical method lifecycle, GxP principles, and regulatory submission requirements.
• Experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is a plus.
• Experience with (bio)analytical method validation (e.g., per FDA or EMA guidelines).
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism, JMP, or Excel-based analysis).
• Experience with RNA characterization techniques (e.g., RT-PCR, RNAseq, SEC, CE).

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.

Compensation Overview

Cambridge - MA - US: $106,010 - $128,462

The starting pay range(s) listed above is for full-time employees (FTE). You may also be eligible for additional discretionary incentive cash and stock opportunities. We determine starting pay thoughtfully – carefully considering the nature of the role, required skills, work location, schedule and the knowledge and experience you bring. Final compensation is guided by pay equity principles and applicable employment laws. Compensation programs are reviewed on an ongoing basis and may be adjusted over time to reflect evolving market factors, and individual, team or Company performance.

Benefits

• Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, you may be eligible to participate in our comprehensive benefit plans – including wellbeing support, retirement and financial protection benefits, and insurance offerings (medical, dental, vision, life and disability).
• U.S.-based exempt employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off (FTO), which provides paid time off without a set accrual limit, subject to manager approval, along with 11 paid company holidays each year.
• Non-exempt employees, RayzeBio employees, and employees located in Puerto Rico receive 160 hours of paid vacation annually for new hires (subject to manager approval), 11 paid company holidays, and 3 optional holidays.
• Depending on eligibility, employees may also have access to additional time-off benefits, including paid sick leave, up to two paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, and leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, or military needs. Eligible employees also enjoy an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
• U.S.-based job seekers can explore full benefit offerings at https://careers.bms.com/benefits

How We Work

Where you work matters – because collaboration, innovation and patient impact happen in many settings. Our roles are structured across four work models: site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design. The model assigned to this role is based on its core responsibilities. Learn more at https://careers.bms.com/ways-of-working.

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 [e-mail]. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

Candidate Rights

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

For roles based in Los Angeles County only: 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 this posting is missing required information required by local law or incorrect, contact BMS at [e-mail] the Job Title and Requisition number. Do not send application-related inquiries to this email. To check your application status, please login to your Candidate Home Account.

R1607251 : Scientist, Sequencing and Plate-Based Assays