Director, Cell Therapy Discovery Biology

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 rich in diversity. 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 Cancer Immunology and Cellular Therapy Thematic Research Center is one of the fundamental research and development engines within BMS delivering therapeutics to patients.  Our mission is to drive leadership in the use of immune effector and cell-based therapies in hematological disorders and solid tumors.  Within the Cell Therapy Research organization, we are focused on developing engineered cell-based therapies to effectively target and eliminate cancers or autoimmune disorders to provide a hope for lasting cures.  The team integrates technology innovation seamlessly with therapeutic discovery, translational research and early clinical development in collaboration with colleagues across the Research and Development organization. 

Here, you will get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities that are uncommon in scale and scope. You’ll pursue innovative ideas while advancing professionally alongside some of the brightest minds in biopharma. 

We are seeking a distinguished and highly experienced Director to join our team as a leading expert in engineered T cell therapies within the Cell Therapy Research organization. This senior-level role will be instrumental in driving and supporting teams dedicated to pioneering new technologies to engineer T cells for oncology and autoimmune disorders. The successful candidate will provide strategic and scientific leadership, leveraging their deep expertise in immunology and T cell biology to guide these teams from the earliest stages of technology conception through to delivering IND-ready cell therapy development candidates.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve as the senior immunology and T cell biology expert, offering strategic guidance and oversight to ensure scientific excellence and innovation in T cell engineering strategies

• Drive the discovery and development of novel T cell engineering approaches, from initial concept through to the delivery of IND-ready development candidates

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to research teams focused on developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance T cell function and improve allo evasion strategies 

• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, including research, clinical, regulatory, and manufacturing, to ensure the successful advancement and integration of T cell therapies within the broader organizational strategy

• Oversee and contribute to the preparation of IND-enabling biology and regulatory documents, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and requirements

• Mentor and develop scientific leaders and junior scientists, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, and innovation

• Develop and sustain a culture of responsible innovation with integrity 

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree

  • 15+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Or

• Master’s Degree

  • 12+ years of academic and / or industry experience 

Or

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences  

  • 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience 

AND

• 6+ years of leadership experience

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in Biology, Immunology or Bioengineering

• 10+ years industry experience and at least 7 years management experience 

• T cell biology and immunology expert able to apply skills,