Associate Director, Automation Process Development

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.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Associate Director of Cell Therapy Process Development to lead and drive activities across the cell therapy pipeline, from early-stage process innovation through late-stage development and commercialization. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in cell therapy manufacturing, a track record of developing robust and scalable processes, and demonstrated success in integrating novel technologies to enable and accelerate development goals. This role will be pivotal in shaping our cell therapy strategy, partnering cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and external collaborators.

A core focus of this role is providing strong technical leadership and mentorship to a team of scientists and engineers. This includes guiding experimental design, reviewing data critically, coaching team members, and aligning team efforts with broader program and company goals.

The successful candidate will bring a proven track record of leading complex process development programs, integrating innovative technologies (e.g., automation, closed systems, novel culture platforms), and working cross-functionally with  Analytical Development, MSAT, Regulatory, and Quality teams. This is a highly visible role that requires a balance of hands-on scientific depth and strategic thinking, as well as the ability to inspire and empower teams to advance transformative cell therapy products to patients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage end-to-end process development efforts for cell therapy programs across early and late-stage development.

• Design and execute experiments to optimize unit operations including cell isolation, activation, gene modification, expansion, harvest, formulation, and cryopreservation.

• Drive technology development and integration efforts to improve process robustness, scalability, automation, and cost-effectiveness.

• Collaborate closely with analytical development, manufacturing sciences, and quality functions to ensure seamless technology transfer and clinical/commercial readiness.

• Guide and oversee technology transfer activities, including drafting of technical packages, process risk assessments, and support for clinical and commercial manufacturing.

• Author and review technical reports, development summaries, regulatory filings (e.g., IND, BLA), and responses to agency questions.

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of scientists and engineers

• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies and tools relevant to cell therapy development.

• Support external collaborations and relationships with a cross functional team.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Immunology, or related discipline with 8+ years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 12+ years.

• Proven experience in both early and late-stage process development for cell therapy (e.g., autologous or allogeneic T cells, NK cells, iPSCs, etc.).

• Demonstrated success in technology development and integration, including automation, closed systems, or novel manufacturing platforms.

• Demonstrated experience in technology transfer, including authorship of tech transfer packages and cross-site coordination

• Deep understanding of cGMP requirements and regulatory expectations for cell therapy products.

• Excellent project management, leadership, and communication skills.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and lead cross-functional teams.

• Experience authoring regulatory submissions is strongly preferred.

Preferred Skills:<