Role OverviewBristol Myers Squibb is seeking a leader to serve as Executive Director, Molecular Design Technology-a pivotal role at the intersection of drug discovery science and advanced digital capabilities.
This global leader will define and deliver the technology strategy and capabilities that enable modality-agnostic molecular design and optimization across the R&D pipeline, in deep partnership with Research leadership spanning small molecules, biologics, and emerging modalities. The scope is explicitly focused on modality-agnostic design and optimization and excludes target identification and validation.
Reporting to the Vice President of Research Business Insights & Technology (BI&T), this individual will accelerate the shift from technology layered onto traditional workflows to computationally based, AI-driven ways of working. In partnership with research scientists, Computational Sciences leaders, and BMS's R&D Data organization, the role will advance a multi-year vision for integrated AI, data, and systems-ensuring design data and knowledge flow seamlessly across Research and into Development. As a member of the BI&T leadership team, this leader will serve as a trusted partner to Research leaders to align priorities, roadmaps, and adoption across the organization.
Mission & Impact- Set a cohesive, modality-agnostic technology and AI strategy for molecular design and optimization across Research.
- Deliver an integrated design ecosystem that reduces fragmentation and enables interoperable workflows, tools, and data.
- Enable scalable adoption of AI/ML, modeling & simulation, and generative design within scientists' day-to-day work.
- Establish closed-loop, data-driven design capabilities that improve learning speed and decision quality across the candidate lifecycle.
- Translate Research strategy into a prioritized, measurable roadmap-aligning leaders across Chemistry, Biology, and Computational Sciences.
- Drive change management and operating-model shifts so new capabilities are used consistently and deliver measurable impact.
Key Responsibilities- Own the end-to-end technology strategy and roadmap for molecular design and optimization across modalities (small molecule, biologics, and emerging).
- Align priorities and drive delivery in close partnership with Discovery Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Sciences, and lab leadership.
- Select and scale core platforms and tools for structure-based design, modeling & simulation, AI/generative design, and design-workflow visualization.
- Architect and deliver an integrated design ecosystem (interoperable tools, datasets, and workflows) to reduce fragmentation and improve usability.
- Deliver measurable outcomes (e.g., DMTA cycle-time reduction; closed-loop optimization) through AI/ML, generative, and agentic capabilities.
- Own compound and entity registration systems and workflows, partnering with the R&D Data organization on the registered-entity data product.
- Ensure operational excellence (reliability, performance, support, and governance) for design platforms and integrated applications.
- Connect upstream Research with downstream Development (e.g., CMC and Manufacturing IT) so Development learnings flow back into design decisions.
- Build and lead a high-performing organization (talent, culture, performance) and manage external partnerships (vendors, startups, academic collaborators).
Required Experience & Qualifications- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Structural Biology, Bioinformatics, or related field
- 15+ years of experience in drug discovery, with:
- Deep experience in molecular design (small and/or large molecule)
- 10+ years operating at the intersection of science and technology/IT
- Proven track record of leading technology-enabled transformation in a pharmaceutical or biotech R&D environment
- Demonstrated experience implementing or scaling:
- Molecular modeling platforms
- AI/ML-driven drug design capabilities
- Integrated scientific data environments
- Strong understanding of end-to-end drug discovery workflows, particularly within design and optimization phases
- Experience deploying GenAI and agentic capabilities into scientist workflows, and driving DMTA cycle-time reduction or comparable closed-loop optimization
- Experience operating at Director/Senior Director level or above, with readiness for Executive Director scope
Critical Capabilities
- Scientific Depth + Digital Fluency: Ability to engage deeply with scientists while architecting modern, scalable technology solutions
- Strategic Thinking: Can define a clear future-state vision while navigating current-state constraints and fragmentation
- Systems Integration Mindset : Sees across tools, data, and workflows to create cohesive, end-to-end solutions
- AI/Innovation Orientation: Strong grasp of emerging technologies (AI/ML, generative models) and their practical application in molecular design
- Influence Without Authority: Builds trust and alignment across senior scientific and technology stakeholders
Leadership & Change Attributes
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable narratives
- Proven ability to lead organizational change within scientific environments, driving adoption and behavioral shifts
- High degree of emotional intelligence and credibility with senior scientists
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, evolving environments, bringing structure and clarity
- Commitment to building an inclusive, high-performing culture grounded in trust and accountability
What Differentiates Top Candidates
- Experience driving AI-enabled molecular design transformation at scale
- Background bridging bench science, computational methods, and enterprise platforms
- Demonstrated success integrating fragmented tool ecosystems into unified platforms
- Credibility with both internal R&D leaders and external innovation partners
Why This Role Matters Now
Bristol Myers Squibb is at a pivotal moment in reimagining how technology and AI enable scientific discovery. Molecular design is one of the highest-leverage areas in that transformation, with the potential to materially accelerate the design-make-test-analyze cycle in early R&D. This role matters now because it will turn fragmented tools, data, and emerging AI capabilities into a more integrated design ecosystem that helps scientists make better decisions faster and advances the delivery of transformative medicines.
Compensation Overview:$262,480 - $318,064
The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee's work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit https://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:
- Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
- Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
- Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
Work-life benefits include:Paid Time Off
- US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees)
- Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays
Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.
All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.
*Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.
