Senior Principal Scientist, Drug Product Analytical Science and Technology (ASAT), Cell Therapy

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.

Position Summary

This technical leadership role is a highly experienced subject matter expert in molecular biology analytical methods and related areas, responsible for leading the design, execution, and interpretation of complex, high impact scientific programs.  This role will manage a team responsible for method optimization, transfer, and validation in support of Cell Therapy analytical portfolio.  Conceptualize and lead complex projects, provides strategic scientific and technical input to the programs and projects. Apply technical knowledge, regulatory requirements, and scientific principles to independently perform complex troubleshooting and problem solving.  The Senior Principal Scientist balances deep hands-on laboratory engagement with cross-functional leadership, mentoring, and delivering enterprise-level impact.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team responsible for molecular biology method technical investigation, method optimization/remediations, method transfer and method validation in compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Perform and/or direct team on hands-on laboratory work in support of commercial QC analytical methods investigation, remediation, and/or optimization. Connects lab-level science to portfolio strategy, pipeline value, and organizational mission

• Critically evaluate experimental data across the team, identifying scientific risks and opportunities, and recommending course corrections as appropriate. Integrate scientific findings across multiple experiments and datasets to generate meaningful insights and advance program hypotheses.

• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in functional areas as needed.

• Makes high-impact scientific and strategic decisions under conditions of uncertainty; balances scientific ambition with pragmatic risk management.

• Represent the department in product review boards, regulatory inspections (internal and external audits). Own and author relevant analytical sections of regulatory submission and responses to health authority questions and requests.

• Implement method lifecycle and method maintenance programs to support methods in support of viral vector and cell therapy drug products.

• Partner with development organizations in the design of development and qualification studies, selection and characterization of reagents, and method optimization initiatives.

• Represent ASAT interest on cross functional/ cross-site teams and communicate and collaborate effectively.

• Apply technical knowledge, regulatory requirements, and scientific principles to perform troubleshooting and problem solving for non-routine complex issues.

• Hire, mentor, and develop exceptional ASAT personnel.

Reporting Relationship

This position will report to Analytical Science and Technology management

Qualifications

Specific Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Strong scientific background and expertise with various molecular methodologies including those related to lentiviral, AAV vectors and other gene delivery platforms.

• Demonstrated advanced technical writing skills.

• Highly advanced strategic thinking and problem-solving ability/mentality, technically adept and logical.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced matrix environment, meet deadlines, and prioritize work from multiple projects. Track record of scientific productivity as evidenced by publications, presentations, or equivalent int