Senior Associate Scientist, Synthesis, RNA Process Sciences

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Time Off

11 paid holidays

Paid volunteer days

Global Shutdown

Job summary

Bristol Myers Squibb is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist for RNA Process Sciences in Cambridge, MA. The role focuses on defining early process conditions and scaling down development for circular and linear RNA modalities.

You will drive experiments, support scale-up, and collaborate across research and manufacturing teams to enable rapid transitions from candidate to clinical manufacturing. This position offers comprehensive benefits and a purpose-driven culture.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in a science field with hands-on experience in RNA/process development.
• Experience with DoE, data analysis, and high throughput workflows.
• Familiar with lab automation and process analytics techniques.

Responsibilities

• Apply high throughput and data driven approaches to optimize in vitro transcription and related steps.
• Support RNA drug substance synthesis process definition and scale up.
• Experiment using automated or data rich setups and verify robust process performance.
• Collaborate with research teams to enable faster transitions to manufacturing.
• Prepare technical reports and communicate findings internally.
• Participate in tech transfer activities to GMP manufacturing sites.

Skills

DoE

High throughput

Data analysis

Scripting languages

Education

BS in Bio/Chemical Engineering or related field

MS in Bio/Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Automated liquid handlers

Small scale reactors

LIMS/ELN systems

Programming for liquid handling

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

The RNA Synthesis Process Sciences role plays a central part in collaborating with research and manufacturing to define early process conditions and scale down process development. By combining deep scientific expertise with enabling technologies and strong cross-functional partnerships, RNA Process Development delivers transformative innovation across the pipeline. The Senior Associate Scientist provides scientific support for drug substance programs spanning preclinical to early-stage development across circular and linear mRNA modalities. This role encompasses hands‑on contributions by driving sound experimental execution and establishing linkages from a research concept to manufacturing implementation. The candidate should be driven by developing and characterizing RNA synthesis processes for improving the yield, quality and robustness.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply high throughput and data driven approaches to perform early optimization and characterization of in vitro transcription, circularization and DNase reactions
• Support the RNA drug substance synthesis process definition and scale up
• Experiment using high throughput/automated or data rich experimental setups
• Support experiments to confirm robust process performance across the control space
• Collaborate with research teams to enable quicker transitions from drug candidate nomination to clinical manufacturing
• Prepare sections of technical reports, and communicate findings internally as appropriate
• Participate in tech transfer activities to GMP manufacturing sites for RNA programs

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Bio/Chemical Engineering, Bio/Chemistry, or related field
• BS with 4+ years’ experience in science related disciplines
• MS with 2+ years’ experience in science related disciplines
• Knowledge of automated liquid handlers, small scale stir tank reactors, and other novel reactor designs
• Working knowledge of statistical design of experiments (DoE) and analysis of multivariate data
• Experience with performing process analytics and biophysical characterization techniques such as HPLC, CE, & gel electrophoresis
• Hands‑on experience programming/operating liquid handling systems, high throughput workflow design, LIMS/ELN systems for sample tracking, and scripting languages for instrument control is a plus
• Knowledge of cGMP, ICH, regulatory guidelines and QbD principles as they apply to risk management and clinical manufacturing is a plus
• Background in providing technical support for clinical manufacturing processes, including support of process investigations, and implementation of proactive process modifications is a plus
• Knowledge of advanced mathematics, nucleic acid chemistry, lipid chemistry, and biology is a plus
• Knowledge of establishing and qualifying scale down models and mechanistic models for process characterization is a plus

Compensation Overview

Cambridge - MA - US: $96,010 - $116,339

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.

R1607236 : Senior Associate Scientist, Synthesis, RNA Process Sciences Data Privacy Link

We’re creating innovative medicines for patients fighting serious diseases. We’re also nurturing our own diverse team with inspiring work and challenging career options. No matter the role, each one of us makes a contribution. And that makes all the difference.