Senior Scientist, Engineered Cell Therapy Discovery

Role overview

Bristol Myers Squibb is looking for a seasoned scientist to join its Engineered Cell Therapy Discovery group. This role focuses on advancing next-generation CAR T and eTCR therapies aimed at cancer and other chronic diseases. The scientist will operate with a high degree of autonomy, lead or contribute to project workstreams, and turn complex experimental findings into decisions that support the program.

About the team and mission

The Cell Therapy Thematic Research Center is a key research platform at BMS, dedicated to creating advanced cell-based therapies that use the immune system against hematologic cancers, solid tumors, and autoimmune disease. The group’s work centers on discovering and translating engineered cell therapies that can improve patient outcomes. BMS also emphasizes flexibility, balance, and a broad set of benefits that support both professional and personal wellbeing.

What you will do

• Use deep knowledge of T cell biology, including activation, signaling, differentiation, exhaustion, and immune regulation, to plan and interpret experiments on engineered CAR and eTCR T cells.
• Build and run screening approaches and detailed mechanistic studies to evaluate engineered T-cell constructs and their functional behavior, using automation where appropriate.
• Own assigned project workstreams independently and refine or redesign experimental approaches when needed, using scientific literature and internal datasets to solve problems.
• Analyze and connect complex data from cellular, molecular, and functional assays such as flow cytometry, IncuCyte, MSD, and high-content imaging.
• Present findings clearly in cross-functional meetings, align stakeholders around key conclusions, and communicate technical results persuasively.
• Support junior colleagues as a mentor and act as a technical resource for the broader team or project group.
• Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications when needed, and represent the team on program or sub-team efforts.
• Maintain accurate electronic lab notebooks on time to support milestones and potential patent or regulatory submissions.

Experience and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus at least 7 years of academic and/or industry experience.
• Master’s degree plus at least 5 years of academic and/or industry experience.
• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced life sciences degree plus at least 2 years of academic and/or industry experience.
• Strong background in T cell immunology, immuno-oncology, or a closely related specialty, with working knowledge of adjacent areas such as bioengineering or molecular biology.
• Working familiarity with the drug discovery and development process, along with strong scientific and technical writing skills for protocols, reports, and regulatory contributions.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro methods for T-cell engineering and functional testing, including viral transduction, targeted gene editing, MSD or ELISA, IncuCyte, multiparameter flow cytometry, and imaging.
• Experience working with large and complex datasets such as multiparametric flow or NGS, preferably using JMP, R, or another programming language.
• Proven ability to identify issues independently and recommend practical solutions while managing multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills in a matrixed environment, with the ability to contribute both independently and as part of a team.
• Comfort with critical and probabilistic thinking to solve complex scientific problems.

Compensation

The listed starting pay range for Seattle, WA is $136,030 to $164,841 per year for a full-time employee basis. Depending on eligibility, additional cash incentive and stock opportunities may be available. Final compensation will be based on demonstrated experience and relevant job factors.

Benefits and perks

• Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision coverage.
• Wellbeing programs including the BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs.
• Financial protection and support such as a 401(k) plan, disability coverage, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefits, legal support, and survivor support.
• Flexible time off for eligible U.S. exempt employees, plus 11 paid national holidays.
• For certain Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico, and RayzeBio exempt, non-exempt, and hourly employees: 160 hours of annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays.
• Possible extra time away such as paid sick time, volunteer days, summer hours, leave programs for various life events, and an annual global shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s Day, subject to eligibility.

Work location and onsite expectations

This role is tied to BMS’s occupancy structure, which includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based, and remote-by-design positions. The assigned category depends on the role’s duties. Site-essential jobs require full onsite presence. Site-by-design roles may allow a hybrid arrangement with at least 50% onsite. Field-based and remote-by-design employees may still need to travel for meetings or to visit customers, patients, or business partners as directed.

Accessibility, candidate rights, and compliance

BMS supports applicants and employees with disabilities through reasonable accommodations and a transparent hiring process. Candidates can request accommodation before accepting an offer or during the application process by contacting the support email listed in the posting. The company states it considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records where applicable by law. If the role is connected to Los Angeles County, additional location-specific information is available from the employer. BMS also warns applicants not to send payments, financial details, or social security numbers during recruitment and notes that application data is handled under applicable privacy laws and regulations. If the posting is missing legally required information or appears incorrect, applicants may contact the employer using the provided staffing email with the job title and requisition number.

Additional information

The posting includes requisition number R1604206. BMS also notes that it values inclusion, integrity, innovation, urgency, accountability, and passion, and describes its work as focused on transforming patients’ lives through science.