Senior Scientist, Drug Product Analytical Science and Technology (ASAT), Cell Therapy

Bristol Myers Squibb; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Bristol Myers Squibb is seeking a Senior Scientist to provide scientific and technical leadership in bioassay methods for the Cell Therapy portfolio. The role requires hands-on lab work, design and execution of complex experiments, data analysis, and the ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations.

The candidate will support method transfer, validation, and maintenance under GMP/regulatory guidelines, collaborate across functions, mentor others, and contribute to investigations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of analytical experience in a regulated environment (GMP) or equivalent.
• Advanced degree preferred with strong scientific depth and analytical problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for bioassay methods used for cell therapy products.
• Design, plan and execute laboratory experiments with proper controls and data analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and optimize new and existing methods.
• Support transfer and validation of methods in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Prepare technical reports and participate in investigations and CAPA.

Skills

Bioassay expertise

Cell-based potency assays

Data analysis

Experimental design

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting assays

Regulatory compliance (GMP)

Education

Bachelor's degree + 8 years in relevant discipline

Master's degree + 4 years

PhD + 2 years

Tools

Flow cytometry

Molecular biology techniques

Statistical software (SAS/R)

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 Senior Scientist role is a scientific and technical expert grounded in strong laboratory capabilities, supporting the Cell Therapy product portfolio. The successful candidate will bring deep hands-on experience in bioassay with demonstrated ability to design and independently execute experiments, analyze complex data, interpret results, troubleshoot assay performance, and translate scientific findings into technically sound recommendations. The role will in part perform hands-on laboratory studies to support the optimization, transfer, validation, maintenance, and investigation of QC analytical methods. Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment is desired; however, scientific depth, experimental rigor, and analytical problem-solving are the primary qualifications for this position.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Serve as a scientific subject matter expert and steward in the lifecycle of bioassay methods used for cell therapy drug products.
• Provide bioassay expertise, including cell-based potency assays, reporter gene assays, and cell counting in support of QC lab investigations. This encompasses supporting technical investigations to identify root cause and provide corrective and preventive actions, including method remediations and experimental studies at the bench.
• Design, plan and independently execute laboratory experiments with a high degree of technical proficiency, including appropriate controls, experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and scientifically justified conclusions.
• Collaborate with multiple cross-functional teams. Contribute to the development and optimization of new and existing laboratory methods and protocols.
• Present experimental findings and progress updates to immediate team. Support the preparation of internal technical reports and presentations as appropriate.
• Support transfer of commercial methods and method validation in compliance with global regulatory requirements.
• Implement method lifecycle and method maintenance programs to support bioassay methods in support of cell therapy drug products.
• Author, revise, and review technical documents such as test methods, SOPs, trend reports, and/or investigation reports as appropriate.
• Lead project, CAPA and deviation/ investigation related tasks and/or continuous improvement efforts.
• Provide support in the authoring of the analytical sections of regulatory submissions, responding to health authority questions and to function as the method validation and method transfer expert during inspections as required.
• Partner with development organizations in the design of development and qualification studies, selection and characterization of reagents, and method optimization initiatives. Represent the function on cross-functional project teams.
• Train and mentor others on cell biology techniques, methods and procedures.
• Champion and foster a positive and successful collaborative quality culture.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

This position will report to Cell Therapy Global Quality Analytical Sciences and Technology (ASAT) management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree + 8 years, Master + 4 years or PhD + 2 years in relevant scientific discipline or equivalent is required. Advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of relevant analytical experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in a regulated environment (GMP), cellular therapy, or gene therapy.
• Advanced experience and strong scientific background and expertise, encompassing various cell-therapy relevant methodologies. Bioassay: Cell-based bioassays such as potency, reporter gene assays, cell counting including those related to lentiviral, AAV vectors and other gene delivery platforms. Experience in other analytical areas such as flow cytometry and molecular biology is a plus.
• Hands-on laboratory experience and demonstrated proficiency with standard laboratory techniques relevant to the role.
• Experience in analytical method lifecycle, including method transfer, validation, and maintenance. Experience providing training in method execution as well as instrument operation and standardization.
• Experience in cGMP regulations and application within the Quality Control environment is a plus.
• Strong understanding of FDA, EMA, ICH, USP, and EP guidelines and regulations associated with the quality control of viral vectors, cell therapies, vaccines and/or biological p