Position SummaryThe Principal Scientist is responsible for developing, optimizing, qualifying, validating, and executing molecular biomarker assays to support translational medicine and clinical programs. This laboratory-based role focuses on PCR and NGS-based genomics and transcriptomics technologies, including gene expression profiling (GEP), genotyping, variant analysis, ctDNA, and related molecular platforms. The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership in assay strategy, technology evaluation, biomarker development, clinical sample analysis, vendor oversight, and cross-functional collaboration to generate high-quality genomics data that informs clinical trial decision-making and advances Bristol Myers Squibb's research and development pipeline.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the development and implementation of genomics and transcriptomics biomarker strategies for translational medicine and clinical programs.
- Select and evaluate molecular assay technologies and platforms based on program, protocol, and biological requirements.
- Design, develop, optimize, qualify, validate, and execute biomarker assays supporting clinical and translational research.
- Support genomic and gene expression profiling (GEP) assays, pharmacodynamic assays, target engagement assays, predictive assays, prognostic assays, and technology platform development.
- Develop assay qualification and validation plans, protocols, reports, and associated technical documentation.
- Generate, analyze, and interpret qualification and validation datasets to support fit-for-purpose clinical assay deployment.
- Perform hands-on laboratory work utilizing PCR, qPCR, NGS, gene expression, genotyping, variant analysis, and related molecular technologies.
- Troubleshoot assay performance issues and implement corrective actions to ensure assay robustness and reproducibility.
- Oversee clinical sample analysis and assay execution performed internally or through external vendors.
- Review assay quality control metrics, assay performance data, and study deliverables.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on genomics technologies, assay performance, data quality, and biomarker strategies.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, assay methodologies, sample preparation kits, and workflow improvements.
- Conduct due diligence assessments and pilot studies to determine feasibility and applicability of new technologies.
- Lead technology transfer activities and support implementation of new platforms and workflows.
- Draft and maintain experimental plans, qualification protocols, validation reports, SOPs, work instructions, study reports, and technology transfer documents.
- Collaborate closely with data analysis, biostatistics, sample management, clinical operations, project management, and other cross-functional teams.
- Participate in biomarker execution teams, clinical study teams, and internal/external scientific collaborations.
- Provide scientific guidance and technical expertise to functional stakeholders and program teams.
- Maintain accurate and compliant records of experiments, procedures, and study activities.
- Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the development of a highly efficient and innovative genomics laboratory environment.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, operational excellence, and best practices across genomics workflows and processes.
Qualifications & Experience:- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related discipline with 8+ years of academic and/or industry experience; or
- Master's degree in Life Sciences or related discipline with 6+ years of academic and/or industry experience; or
- Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in Life Sciences with 4+ years of academic and/or industry experience.
- Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory environment for 100% of the work schedule.
- Extensive experience with PCR, qPCR, NGS, GEP, and other genomics-based technologies.
- Strong hands-on laboratory expertise in molecular assay development and execution.
- Proven experience developing clinical genomics assays in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics, or clinical laboratory settings.
- Demonstrated expertise in assay development, optimization, qualification, validation, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management.
- Experience overseeing assay validation activities performed internally and through external vendors.
- Strong understanding of assay controls, quality control methodologies, and assay performance monitoring.
- Experience supporting clinical sample analysis and biomarker-driven clinical programs.
- Expertise with genomics platforms such as NGS, qPCR, gene expression profiling, genotyping, and variant analysis technologies.
- Significant experience reviewing assay run metrics, QC data, and performance trends.
- Hands-on experience with ctDNA technologies and gene expression profiling platforms.
- Strong understanding of fit-for-purpose validation principles for clinical genomics assays.
- Knowledge of genomics data structures, quality control processes, and collaboration with bioinformatics and biostatistics teams.
- Experience developing and executing genomics biomarker strategies that support clinical development programs.
- Familiarity with technology assessment, vendor selection, and implementation of new laboratory platforms.
- Working knowledge of intellectual property considerations and contracting principles.
- Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional and matrixed organizations.
- Proven leadership, mentoring, and team development capabilities.
#LI-Onsite
Compensation Overview:Princeton - NJ - US: $138,520 - $167,849
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.
Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing CareersWith a single vision as inspiring as "Transforming patients' lives through science™ " , every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.
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.
