Associate Scientist, Translational Research, Protein Homeostasis TRC San Diego

Working with Us
Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren’t words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You’ll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.

Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us .

The Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center at BMS is a fundamental Oncology research engine delivering oncology and hematology therapeutics to patients. The TRC has a major focus on exploiting BMS’ expertise in protein degradation to discover and develop therapies aimed at tumor intrinsic vulnerabilities and mechanisms of resistance to existing cancer therapeutics. This focus on protein degradation allows us to attack protein classes that were previously deemed undruggable.

Position Summary

The Associate Scientist will play a critical role in advancing translational research within the Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center (PH TRC), supporting early-phase clinical development through laboratory-based experimentation. This position involves designing and executing translational assays to generate mechanistic and pharmacodynamic insights that inform first-in-human studies. Responsibilities include culturing primary cells and established cell lines, performing viability and combination studies, and conducting molecular analyses such as PCR and Western blot. The role also encompasses developing and optimizing assays for clinical sample analysis, ensuring robust, reproducible data under stringent quality standards. Working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment, the Associate Scientist will partner closely with global teams to deliver high-quality translational data that drives decision-making in Phase 1 trials.

Position Responsibilities

In the role as an Associate Scientist within Translational Research, the ideal candidate will be responsible for:

• Cell-Based Experiments: Culture and maintain primary cells and established cell lines; perform viability assays, combination studies, and other functional experiments to support translational objectives.

• Molecular Analyses: Execute molecular biology techniques such as PCR, Western blot, and related assays to generate mechanistic and pharmacodynamic insights.

• Assay Development: Design, optimize, and validate translational assays for clinical sample analysis, ensuring robustness, reproducibility, and alignment with Phase 1 study requirements.

• Data Documentation & Integrity: Record experimental procedures and results in electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and relevant systems, maintaining data integrity, version control, and traceability.

• Quality & Compliance: Adhere to laboratory safety standards and internal quality systems; maintain audit-ready documentation and ensure compliance with QMS requirements.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with translational scientists, biomarker teams, and global collaborators to align assay development with clinical study timelines and objectives.

• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to process optimization and implementation of best practices to enhance efficiency and scientific rigor in translational workflows.

Experience =

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology) with at least 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience; prior experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry strongly preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in cell culture techniques, including primary cells and immortalized cell lines.

• Experience with molecular biology methods such as PCR, Western blot, and viability assays; familiarity with assay development and optimization for translational research.

• Understanding of biomarker strategies and clinical study requirements, particularly Phase 1 trials.

Quality & Compliance:

• Knowledge of laboratory safety standards (BSL-2+) and quality systems; ability to maintain audit-ready documentation.

Data & Systems:

• Competence in electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and data management systems; proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data analysis tools.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Clear and effective communication skills; ability to work collaboratively across functions and global sites.

• Flexible and adaptable to evolving project needs; capable of working independently while contributing to team goals.

#LI-Onsite

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:

San Diego - CA - US: $93,250 - $112,991

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

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 Careers
With 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 Protocol

BMS 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.

Supporting People with Disabilities

BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to View email address on us.fitly.work . Visit careers.bms.com/ eeo -accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

Candidate Rights

BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.

If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information: 

Data Protection

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If you believe that the job posting is missing information required by local law or incorrect in any way, please contact BMS at View email address on us.fitly.work . Please provide the Job Title and Requisition number so we can review. Communications related to your application should not be sent to this email and you will not receive a response. Inquiries related to the status of your application should be directed to Chat with Ripley.

R1599563 : Associate Scientist, Translational Research, Protein Homeostasis TRC San Diego