Position SummaryThe Principal Scientist is a highly experienced subject matter expert responsible for leading method optimization, transfer, and validation in support of Cell Therapy analytical portfolio. Conceptualize and lead complex projects, provides strategic scientific and technical input to the programs and projects. Apply technical knowledge, regulatory requirements, and scientific principles to independently perform complex troubleshooting and problem solving. The Principal Scientist balances deep hands-on laboratory involvement with cross-functional leadership, mentoring, and external scientific engagement.
Duties/Responsibilities- Subject matter expert in Cell Biology and/or Molecular Biology, leads method technical investigation, method optimization/remediations, method transfer and method validation in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Independently develop, write, and execute methods, protocols, reports, and other related documents aligned with regulatory and corporate guidelines.
- Conceptualize and independently lead complex projects, investigations, corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts. This includes the design and hands-on executions of laboratory experiments, evaluation of experimental data, identification of risks and impact.
- Represent the department in product review boards, regulatory inspections (internal and external audits). Own and author relevant analytical sections of regulatory submission and responses to health authority questions and requests.
- Implement method lifecycle and method maintenance programs to support methods in support of viral vector and cell therapy drug products.
- Partner with development organizations in the design of development and qualification studies, selection and characterization of reagents, and method optimization initiatives.
- Represent ASAT interest on cross functional/ cross-site teams and communicate and collaborate effectively.
- Apply technical knowledge, regulatory requirements, and scientific principles to perform troubleshooting and problem solving for non-routine complex issues.
- Perform other tasks as assigned.
Reporting Relationship- Perform other tasks as assigned.
QualificationsSpecific Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Demonstrated advanced technical writing skills.
- Advanced strategic thinking and problem-solving ability/mentality, technically adept and logical.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced matrix environment, meet deadlines, and prioritize work from multiple projects. Track record of scientific productivity as evidenced by publications, presentations, or equivalent internal contributions
- Advanced ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with peers, senior management and cross-functional peers about task status, roadblocks and needs, locally and globally.
- Strong hands-on laboratory skill set, including execution, and interpretation of complex, high-impact scientific, multi-dimensional data in support of commercial QC analytical methods.
- Advanced mentoring, coaching, influencing, negotiating and personnel interaction skills.
- For Molecular Role: Strong scientific background and expertise with various molecular biology methodologies including those related to lentiviral, AAV vectors and other gene delivery platforms.
- Ability to travel to support projects as needed
Education/Experience/ Licenses/Certifications:
- Bachelor's/Master's degree preferably in (bioanalytical) science. Advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years of relevant experience in regulated cellular therapy or gene therapy, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Expert scientific knowledge with a broad range of bioanalytical and/molecular techniques (cell-based assays, ELISA, qPCR, flow cytometry) and deep expertise with the characterization, validation, and transfer of bioanalytical methods lifecycle. Experience providing training in method execution as well as instrument operation and standardization.
- Experience in cGMP regulations and application within the Quality Control environment. 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 products.
Compensation Overview:Seattle - WA: $128,090 - $155,211
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.
On-site ProtocolBMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:
Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.
