Senior Scientist, Functional Sciences, Discovery Biotherapeutics

Bristol Myers Squibb; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 141,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Bristol Myers Squibb is seeking a Senior Scientist in the Discovery Biotherapeutics group to lead cell biology–driven assay development for antibody therapeutics. You will design and execute functional screening strategies, generate testable hypotheses, and collaborate across bioscience teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on cellular assays, imaging, and data analysis, with opportunities for matrix management and cross-site collaboration in a fast-paced, impact-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with relevant research experience in molecular/cell biology and immunology preferred.
• Experience designing and interpreting functional characterization assays for antibody therapeutics.
• Hands-on cellular assays with diverse readouts to dissect mechanism of action; antibodies/biologics experience required.
• Flow cytometry and imaging experience essential; Incucyte or similar platforms advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement cellular screening assays for antibody-based biologics to identify lead candidates.
• Develop mechanistic assays for antibody modalities and target profiles.
• Create and optimize cell lines and assays including reporter assays and imaging-based readouts.
• Characterize protein reagents for in vitro selection and assay components.
• Support target ideation and hypothesis generation for validation.
• Leverage automation and AI/ML to improve screening and data analysis workflows.
• Represent Discovery Biotherapeutics in multi-disciplinary project teams and present data.
• Document experiments meticulously in Electronic Notebook and upload data into Benchling.

Skills

Cell biology

Immunology

Antibody therapeutics

Flow cytometry

Incucyte

Imaging

Automation

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

PhD

Tools

Benchling

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.

Summary

The position is within Functional Sciences in the Discovery Biotherapeutics department. Our team supports multiple disease areas within BMS for target validation, hit-to-lead screening and functional characterization of antibody therapeutics. We seek a highly motivated individual with experience establishing assays relevant to the target biology, a passion for solving complex challenges and an ability to work collaboratively with scientists from diverse backgrounds. The qualified candidate will have a strong background in cell biology and immunology with a track record of cellular assay development and practical knowledge of biochemistry and protein-protein interactions. This is an individual contributor role with opportunities for matrix management. As part of the Discovery Biotherapeutics organization, the candidate will interface with other Biotherapeutics teams as well as Biology colleagues across sites.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Design and implement relevant cellular screening assays for antibody-based biologics to identify and characterize lead candidates using diverse technologies in immortalized and primary cells
• Develop and execute mechanistic assays based on the antibody therapeutic modality and target candidate profile, such as for T cell engagers, Antibody Drug Conjugates, multi-specifics, agonists/ antagonists
• Generate relevant cell lines or explore commercial sources to design the appropriate functional screening assays including reporter assays, AlphaLISA, flow-or imaging-based effector function readout assays, co-culture systems
• Characterize protein reagents to be used as targets for in vitro selection or assay components by biochemical or cell-based methods
• Participate in target ideation and generation of testable hypotheses for target validation
• Identify new technologies and/or process enhancements leveraging automation and AI/ML tools to improve screening and data analysis workflows
• Serve as Discovery Biotherapeutics assay representative on matrixed multi-disciplinary project teams; design functional screening strategy and present data to stakeholders
• Document experiments meticulously in Electronic Notebook and upload assay data into Benchling

Experience, Education and Specialized Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree with 7+ years of academic / industry experience OR Master’s Degree with 5+ years of academic / industry experience OR PhD with 2+ years of academic / industry experience
• Academic degree and research experience in molecular and cell biology with specialization in immunology or oncology strongly preferred
• Ability to apply scientific concepts in immunology and cancer biology along with strong technical skills to design, execute and interpret functional characterization assays
• Hands‑on experience in designing and executing cellular assays with a variety of readouts to dissect mechanism of action and function of potential therapeutics; prior experience working with antibodies and biologics is required; experience working on TCEs and/or ADCs would be a plus
• Flow cytometry, Incucyte or imaging experience a must; experience with other cellular assay technologies and instrumentation would be a plus
• Experience with automation and assay miniaturization is desirable
• Experience with analysis and data visualization tools like Graphpad Prism, Spotfire would be a plus
• Experience serving on cross-functional project teams is a plus
• Excellent organizational, analytical and technical skills are required, along with demonstrated initiative‑taking and innovative thinking to implement new experimental technologies and develop approaches to solve complex problems
• Excellent communication skills to effectively serve as the Functional Sciences representative in multi‑disciplinary project teams
• Ability to work with a sense of urgency and support multiple projects simultaneously
• Passionate scientist and collaborator with a strong work ethic and willingness to mentor junior scientists

#LI-Onsite

Compensation Overview:

Cambridge Crossing: $141,310 - $171,238

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 workplaceaccommodations/adjustmentsand ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplaceaccommodation/adjustmentprior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonableaccommodations/adjustmentsin 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] with 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.

R1605993 : Senior Scientist, Functional Sciences, Discovery Biotherapeutics