Principal Scientist, ADCs Discovery Biology, Oncology Thematic Research Center

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 Oncology Thematic Research Center at BMS is one of the fundamental research and early development engines delivering oncology therapeutics to patients. The scientists at this state-of-the-art research and development site in Cambridge focus on novel tumor intrinsic targets and pathways for tumors that are refractory to current Immuno-Oncology and Oncology therapies and implement our discovery platforms across all of our therapeutic areas of focus. We are a fully integrated drug discovery through translational and early clinical development organization which exploits state-of-the-art in vitro, in vivo and ex-vivo models of cancer biology to identify and validate targets. We partner closely with colleagues in Translational Medicine, Informatics and Predictive Sciences and Early Clinical Development to generate biomarker and patient enrichment hypotheses to enable efficient decision making in early clinical trials. We are optimally positioned to complement the world-class translational expertise, biology and leading academic research centers in the area.

We are seeking a creative and driven scientist to join our expanding ADC Discovery team and play an important role in advancing next-generation oncology therapeutics. As a Principal Scientist, you will independently lead antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) drug discovery programs from target concept to IND filing, leveraging proprietary technologies and collaborating with top experts in the field. The qualified candidate should be a highly motivated, independent, and collaborative scientist capable of leading cross-functional teams and executing rigorous biology programs across a highly matrixed organization. Our team thrives on creativity, rigorous science, and a shared commitment to transforming cancer care.

In the role as a Principal Scientist within Discovery Biology, the ideal candidate will:

• Lead highly matrixed ADC discovery teams from target concept to IND and lead/mentor a biology team supporting in vitro experimentation

• Leverage current and new techniques for function-based identification and selection of antibody-drug-conjugate (ADC) lead drug candidates

• Apply extensive technical knowledge to address ADC mechanisms of action, including evaluating novel payload classes and linker strategies

• Collaborate with functional area leads (e.g., pharmacology, DMPK, bioinformatics, informatics and predictive science) to drive programs forward, including helping to define program priorities and risks

• Work with bioinformaticians and translational research scientists to design and execute studies supporting patient stratification and identification of appropriate target engagement PD markers

• Present complex scientific concepts to a range of audiences including governance committees and full team project meetings

• Communicate findings and progress clearly and effectively via email, written reports, and scientific presentations

• Mentor and develop junior scientists within the team, fostering a collaborative and scientifically rigorous environment

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Or

• Master’s Degree and 6+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Or

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences and 4+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences with 4+ years of industry experience in oncology drug discovery

• Hands-on experience in the design, development, and optimization of high-throughput cell-based assays for antibody screening and ADC activity

• Experience profiling and developing complex biologics (e.g., bispecifics, biparatopics, masked antibodies)

• Experience with linker-payload design and evaluation, including both cytotoxic and targeted payload classes

• Experience contributing to an IND filing

• Developing leadership skills with demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and mentor a team of lab-based in vitro biologists

• Ability to efficiently manage and prioritize multiple projects, coordinating in-house research with collaborative work

• Ability to summarize and interpret complex scientific data in a clear, concise, and accurate manner

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, and governance committees

• Strong problem-solving skills and sound understanding of complex scientific principles

• Demonstrated experience leveraging AI and data-driven tools to support scientific decision-making and program planning

#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:

Cambridge Crossing: $156,180 - $189,252

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: T he 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 aiapply.co. 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:

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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 aiapply.co. 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.

R1605302 : Principal Scientist, ADCs Discovery Biology, Oncology Thematic Research Center