Sr Associate Scientist, Neuroscience, Exploratory Biology

Bristol Myers Squibb; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

11 paid holidays

Flexible time off (FTO)

Job summary

Bristol Myers Squibb in Cambridge is seeking a scientist to join the neuroscience exploratory biology group. You will characterize disease-relevant biology using primary and iPSC-derived neuronal and glial systems, supporting target validation and mechanism-of-action studies to advance early-stage programs.

Responsibilities include designing and executing experiments, maintaining cultures, performing validation studies, and collaborating with computational biology and drug discovery teams to

Qualifications

• Hands-on academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical experience is preferred.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and neuronal systems is advantageous.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with scientific rigor.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot neurobiology experiments in disease-relevant pathways.
• Culture and maintain primary neuronal cultures, iPSC-derived neurons and glia.
• Perform target validation studies including genome editing and perturbations.
• Conduct mechanism-of-action studies to characterize effects on neuronal biology.
• Apply immunofluorescence and high-content imaging to assess cellular phenotypes.
• Perform qPCR, ELISA to support molecular, biochemical characterization.
• Analyze, document, and present data with rigor and reproducibility.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with computational biology, translational and drug discovery teams.
• Stay current with neuroscience literature and contribute to project strategy.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

qPCR

ELISA

Immunofluorescence

Microscopy

High-content imaging

Genome editing

Neuroscience knowledge

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/Neuroscience/Pharmacology/Biochemistry or related field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

JESS

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

We are seeking a motivated scientist to join our neuroscience exploratory biology group. This role will focus on characterizing disease‑relevant biology using primary and iPSC‑derived neuronal and glial systems, supporting target validation and mechanism‑of‑action studies to advance early‑stage neuroscience programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments to explore neurobiological mechanisms underlying disease‑relevant pathways
• Culture and maintain primary neuronal cultures, iPSC‑derived neurons and glia, and other neuroscience‑relevant in‑vitro systems
• Perform target validation studies, including genome editing and genetic perturbation approaches
• Conduct mechanism‑of‑action studies to characterize compound or genetic effects on neuronal and glial biology
• Apply immunofluorescence, microscopy, and high‑content imaging/analysis to assess cellular phenotypes
• Perform qPCR, JESS, ELISA and MEA to support molecular, biochemical and functional characterization
• Analyze, document, and present data with rigor and reproducibility; contribute to experimental design discussions
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with computational biology, translational, and drug discovery teams
• Stay current with neuroscience literature and contribute scientific insight to project strategy

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or a related field plus 4+ years of relevant experience
• Or a Master's degree plus 2+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical experience, including mammalian cell culture
• Experience in assay development, target validation, genome editing, genetic perturbation, and mechanism‑of‑action studies
• Proficiency in qPCR, JESS, ELISA, immunofluorescence, microscopy, high‑content imaging and analysis
• Direct experience with primary neuronal cultures, iPSC‑derived neurons and glia, and other neuroscience‑relevant in‑vitro systems strongly preferred
• Ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, document, analyze, and present reproducible experiments
• Data analysis or visualization experience desirable
• Strong organizational and communication skills; able to work independently and cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced environment
• Curiosity, initiative, adaptability, attention to detail, problem‑solving, and commitment to scientific rigor, safety, and data quality
• Strong foundational neuroscience knowledge preferred

Compensation Overview

Cambridge Crossing: $105,040 - $127,287

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.

R1607431 : Sr Associate Scientist, Neuroscience, Exploratory Biology