Position Summary: The CT-PRE team is seeking a Scientist to help translate next-generation cell therapies from early research into robust development platforms. The Scientist will design and execute laboratory experiments both independently and collaboratively, contributing to a highly interactive, matrixed, agile, team-driven environment. The ideal candidate will have prior industry experience with process development, preferably in viral vector production for CAR-T therapy.
In the role as a Scientist within the CT-PRE team, the ideal candidate will apply scientific principles to develop scalable processes to enable in vivo CAR-T therapy platforms. This includes:
- Designing and conducting laboratory experiments to evaluate gene delivery and cell engineering strategies for CAR-T manufacturing feasibility
- Leading workstreams and experiments focused on the optimization and implementation of scalable lentiviral vector production for in vivo CAR-T therapy platforms
- Documenting experimental workflows, results, and deviations in electronic laboratory notebooks to ensure reproducibility and process understanding
- Performing data analysis and communicating findings clearly to enable informed decision-making by research and development teams
- Participating in cross-functional project teams and effectively communicating CT-PRE activities, data, and recommendations
- Collaborating closely with team members to coordinate experimental execution and deliver study outcomes
- Training and mentoring junior team members as appropriate
- Demonstrating strong scientific rigor through critical thinking, problem-solving, troubleshooting, and attention to detail
Basic Qualifications: - Bachelor's Degree
- 5+ years of academic and / or industry experience
Or
- Master's Degree
- 3+ years of academic and / or industry experience
Or
- Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with viral vector process development, including upstream production (e.g., suspension culture, transfection parameters, bioreactor scale-up) and downstream purification and concentration strategies
- Experience developing and optimizing bioprocesses that are intentionally designed for scalability into STR culture and manufacturability
- Strong understanding of viral transduction mechanisms, tropism and integration
- Proficiency with aseptic mammalian cell culture, preferably including primary T cell culture, activation and expansion
- Familiarity with analytical characterization and critical quality attributes for an in vivo CAR-T drug product (titer, purity, potency, sterility)
- Understanding of T-cell biology and immunology relevant to CAR-T - activation, transduction efficiency, phenotype and functional assays
- Experience with T-cell manufacturing workflows - apheresis material handling, activation, gene delivery, expansion, formulation
- Understanding of statistical design of experiments methodology and data analysis for process optimization
- Familiarity with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) or other nanoparticle-based delivery systems for in vivo and/or ex vivo T-cell targeting and engineering
- Knowledge of, or hands-on experience with, site-specific gene-editing (preferably CRISPR-Cas, base or prime editing) technologies
- Working knowledge of analyzing and interpreting data from flow-based cellular, and PCR/sequencing based molecular assays
- Awareness of incorporation of cell-targeting ligands in vectors, for in vivo T-cell, or organ-selective targeting
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for exchanging technical and scientific information with cross-functional teams
- A collaborative team player who can effectively multi-task as well as excel independently in a fast-paced, dynamic and innovative environment
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Compensation Overview:Seattle - WA: $122,810 - $148,814
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.
