Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Associate Scientist to join our Discovery Biotherapeutics organization in Cambridge, MA. This role will help advance high throughput, automated mammalian antibody expression capability within Discovery Biotherapeutics. The Senior Associate Scientist will operate automation‑enabled platforms that accelerate antibody discovery and engineering, including complex and multispecific biologics.
Working at the interface of mammalian expression biology, laboratory automation, and software enabled workflows, this position enables scalable, integrated discovery approaches that increase speed and impact across early biologics programs. This lab-facing role offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful scientific contribution in support of BMS’s mission of delivering innovative medicines to patients.
Experience in protein production and purification is required for this role as well as the ability to operate, troubleshoot, and help develop novel automation systems and solutions. A background in AKTA/Unicorn programming and liquid handler operation will be helpful, but the candidate must have a strong interest in automation and a proven track record of innovation and problem solving.
Key Responsibilities
- Strong background in molecular biology ie primer design, cloning, sequence analysis, and HT-PCR is required.
- Discovery-stage mammalian expression of antibodies and antibody-derived formats, including IgGs, fragments, and multispecific biologics in HT-plate based workflows.
- Experience with high-throughput, automated expression and purification workflows: 4mL through 100mL scale and QC analytics for protein production including A280 protein concentration measurements, CE-SDS, SDS-PAGE, HT-anSEC, and endotoxin testing.
- Background using liquid handling systems such as Lynx 1800, Biomek i7 or equivalent and familiarity with plate-based purification schemes.
- Experience working with automation teams to integrate liquid handling, incubators, culture handling, and downstream processing steps is a bonus.
- Interface with laboratory software platforms to ensure high-quality, traceable data generation compatible with computational and ML-driven discovery. Software includes Benchling, Geneious Prime, Electronic notebook documentation.
- Collaborate with AI/ML, binder discovery, molecular interaction, and functional assay teams to support binder discovery campaigns.
- The willingness to learn new workflows and work in mid-scale production / purification is desirable.
Qualifications & Experience
- BS with 4+ years; or MS with 2+ years of pharmaceutical R&D or related industry experience.
- Molecular biology background with a strong understanding of cloning and high throughput fragment DNA generation.
- Experience with HTP-scale and mid-scale protein production and operating high-throughput, automated expression workflows.
- Hands on experience in the operation and control of AKTA chromatography workstations and liquid handling systems like Lynx 1800 and Biomek i7.
- Experience in mammalian antibody expression, purification and ability to troubleshoot standard purification protocols and instrumentation.
- Strong understanding of HEK293, CHO, CFE or equivalent expression systems.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently while influencing cross-functional discovery of biotherapeutics, biology, automation, and engineering teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work with a sense of urgency under tight deadlines.
- Experience with LIMS systems and Electronic Notebook is a plus.
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If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn’t perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.
Compensation Overview:
Cambridge Crossing: $106,510 - $129,059
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.
