Senior Associate Scientist, Pharmacology

Biopharma Careers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Time Off

11 paid holidays

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

RayzeBio in San Diego is seeking an Associate Scientist, Pharmacology to advance radiopharmaceutical therapies from bench to bedside. The role includes in vivo experiments, vivarium management, experiment design, tissue collection and data analysis, with collaboration across translational research and medicinal chemistry. The successful candidate will be mentored by senior scientists, adhere to radiation safety, and support GLP and documentation.

A B.Sc. with 3–4+ years or an M.Sc.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. with 3-4+ years or M.Sc. with 1-2+ years in Biology, Pharmacology, Translational Research, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Pre-clinical drug discovery experience preferred (industrial or academic).
• Experience with radioactive materials preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vivo studies using CDX, PDX, and syngeneic mouse models to evaluate tumor growth, biodistribution, and therapy.
• Perform in vivo procedures: cell culture, implantation, dosing, tumor/body weight monitoring, necropsy.
• Analyze data and present findings at team meetings and reviews.
• Work with radioactive materials following safety protocols.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to advance program objectives.

Skills

Rodent handling

IV/SC administration

MS 365 & GraphPad Prism

Communication skills

In vivo imaging

Drug development knowledge

AI tools

Education

Biology/Pharmacology degree

Job description

Life at BMS

At RayzeBio, every day is an opportunity to ignite meaningful change. As a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb, RayzeBio blends the nimble, pioneering spirit of an emergent biotech with the global expertise and resources of a leading innovator in oncology. Our mission is to develop transformative radiopharmaceutical therapies that offer new hope for patients living with cancer. Here, you’ll join a multidisciplinary team where your ideas are valued, your expertise is amplified, and collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. From day one, expect to make an immediate impact, on our science, on our teams, and most importantly, on patients. Learn more about RayzeBio: https://careers.bms.com/rayzebio/

Associate Scientist, Pharmacology

Job Description

This laboratory‑based role offers an exciting opportunity to advance novel radiopharmaceutical therapies from bench to bedside. The Associate Scientist will participate in discovery research by conducting in vivo experiments and managing vivarium duties, including experiment design, execution, tissue collection, and data analysis. The role also includes cross‑functional collaboration with teams in translational research, medicinal chemistry, and other scientific disciplines. The successful candidate will receive mentorship from senior scientists and must adhere strictly to radiation safety protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vivo studies using CDX, PDX, and syngeneic mouse models to evaluate tumor growth kinetics, biodistribution, therapeutic efficacy, and durability of response across various treatment modalities, including radiopharmaceutical agents.
• Perform essential in vivo procedures: cell culture, tumor cell and PDX fragment implantation, sampling, dosing (IV, SC, IP, PO), tumor and body weight monitoring, and necropsy.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data independently; present findings at project team meetings, departmental reviews, and company‑wide forums.
• Work with radioactive materials in strict compliance with institutional and federal radiation safety protocols.
• Support laboratory operations, including inventory management, equipment maintenance, and ensure strict compliance with company policies, GLP, IACUC, and animal welfare guidelines, including accurate documentation in laboratory notebooks and electronic records.
• Collaborate effectively within the immediate team and cross‑functionally to advance program objectives.
• Demonstrate initiative and technical expertise in troubleshooting experimental issues and ensuring accurate data analysis.
• May involve working outside standard business hours, including weekends, holidays, and early mornings, to support critical in vivo studies and project deadlines.

Education and Experience

• B.Sc. with 3-4+ years of experience or M.Sc. with 1-2+ years of experience in Biology, Pharmacology, Translational Research, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.
• Prior hands‑on experience in pre‑clinical drug discovery programs (industrial or academic settings) is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience working with radioactive materials is preferred.
• Prior experience culturing and expanding cancerous cell lines is a plus.

Skills

• Technical proficiency in rodent handling (immune-compromised and -competent mice), aseptic procedures, and lab animal research.
• Ability to perform IV compound administration and SC engraftment is mandatory.
• Working knowledge of MS 365 and GraphPad Prism.
• Strong work ethic, self‑motivation, adaptability, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.
• Excellent written, oral communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience with in vivo imaging modalities is a plus.
• Familiarity with the drug development process and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Uses AI tools to enhance individual productivity and quality of work

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and communicate effectively.

Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30-50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required: close vision and distance vision.

Laboratory and vivarium environment with radioactive and biohazard materials; protective clothing, gloves, and safety glasses are mandatory at all times.

Noise level is typically moderate.

Compensation Overview

San Diego - CA - US: $95,505 - $115,730

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

RayzeBio and Bristol Myers Squibb

RayzeBio was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) in 2024 and is a wholly‑owned subsidiary of BMS; however, RayzeBio will continue to operate as a standalone organization.

Supporting People with Disabilities

BMS and RayzeBio are 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 and RayzeBio 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.