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Bristol Myers Squibb · Life sciences

Senior Scientist, Functional Sciences, Discovery Biotherapeutics

Bristol Myers Squibb Cambridge, MA Posted Sep 4, 2026
Location
Cambridge, MA
Workplace
On-site / per employer
Posted
Sep 4, 2026

About this role

At Bristol Myers Squibb, our employees often ask, “Who are you working for?”—a question that fuels collaboration, accountability, and urgency in our work. Our purpose-driven culture inspires us to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to prevail over serious diseases. We offer uniquely interesting and meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment that values inclusion, wellbeing, flexibility, and comprehensive benefits.

This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it.

Summary

The position is within Functional Sciences in the Discovery Biotherapeutics department. Our team supports multiple disease areas within BMS for target validation, hit-to-lead screening and functional characterization of antibody therapeutics. We seek a highly motivated individual with experience establishing assays relevant to the target biology, a passion for solving complex challenges and an ability to work collaboratively with scientists from diverse backgrounds.

The qualified candidate will have a strong background in cell biology and immunology with a track record of cellular assay development and practical knowledge of biochemistry and protein-protein interactions. This is an individual contributor role with opportunities for matrix management. As part of the Discovery Biotherapeutics organization, the candidate will interface with other Biotherapeutics teams as well as Biology colleagues across sites.

Roles and Responsibilities

Design and implement relevant cellular screening assays for antibody-based biologics to identify and characterize lead candidates using diverse technologies in immortalized and primary cells

Develop and execute mechanistic assays based on the antibody therapeutic modality and target candidate profile, such as for T cell engagers, Antibody Drug Conjugates, multi-specifics, agonists/ antagonists

Generate relevant cell lines or explore commercial sources to design the appropriate functional screening assays including reporter assays, AlphaLISA, flow-or imaging-based effector function readout assays, co-culture systems

Characterize protein reagents to be used as targets for in vitro selection or assay components by biochemical or cell-based methods

Participate in target ideation and generation of testable hypotheses for target validation

Identify new technologies and/or process enhancements leveraging automation and AI/ML tools to improve screening and data analysis workflows

Serve as Discovery Biotherapeutics assay representative on matrixed multi-disciplinary project teams; design functional screening strategy and present data to stakeholders

Document experiments meticulously in Electronic Notebook and upload assay data into Benchling

Experience, Education and Specialized Knowledge and Skills

Bachelor's Degree with 7+ years of academic / industry experience OR Master's Degree with 5+ years of academic / industry experience OR PhD with 2+ years of academic / industry experience

Academic degree and research experience in molecular and cell biology with specialization in immunology or oncology strongly preferred

Ability to apply scientific concepts in immunology and cancer biology along with strong technical skills to design, execute and interpret functional characterization assays

Hands-on experience in designing and executing cellular assays with a variety of readouts to dissect mechanism of action and function of potential therapeutics; prior experience working with antibodies and biologics is required; experience working on TCEs and/or ADCs would be a plus

Flow cytometry, Incucyte or imaging experience a must; experience with other cellular assay technologies and instrumentation would be a plus

Experience with automation and assay miniaturization is desirable

Experience with analysis and data visualization tools like Graphpad Prism, Spotfire would be a plus

Experience serving on cross-functional project teams is a plus

Excellent organizational, analytical and technical skills are required, along with demonstrated initiative-taking and innovative thinking to implement new experimental technologies and develop approaches to solve complex problems

Excellent communication skills to effectively serve as the Functional Sciences representative in multi-disciplinary project teams

Ability to work with a sense of urgency and support multiple projects simultaneously

Passionate scientist and collaborator with a strong work ethic and willingness to mentor junior scientists

#LI-Onsite

We hire for skills and capabilities, not just credentials – if this role excites you, but doesn’t perfectly match your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Compensation Overview

Cambridge Crossing: $141,310 - $171,238

Originally posted by Bristol Myers Squibb. View original posting

Senior Scientist, Functional Sciences, Discovery Biotherapeutics at Bristol Myers Squibb | BioCareerAI