Associate Director, Oncology 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. Take your career farther than you thought possible.

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Associate Director and Group Leader, Oncology Discovery Biology

The Oncology Thematic Research Center at BMS is a key research and early development engine, responsible for the discovery and development of novel oncology therapeutics for patients.  Centered at our state-of-the-art research sites in Cambridge and Seattle, scientists focus on novel targets and pathways for tumors that are refractory to current therapies.  With a deep understanding of the causal human biology, we are able to leverage our multiple modality platforms to best match the modality to the mechanism and desired outcome.  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 and Immuno-oncology 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.

Our Bristol Myers Squibb research site in Cambridge Crossing will help us continue to deliver on our mission, positioning the company and our scientists in the heart of a vibrant ecosystem of world-class science, innovation, and business opportunities.

Position Summary

The role of Associate Director, Oncology Discovery Biology within the Oncology TRC at BMS involves contributing to the preclinical drug discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics with a tumor intrinsic focus. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, passionate, and collaborative drug hunter with proven experience in preclinical drug development. Strong leadership and mentorship skills are essential. They will work closely with global cross-functional teams, including early target biology, chemistry, in vivo pharmacology, toxicology, DMPK, and translational biology, to conceptualize and advance novel ideas from discovery to the clinic. Proven ability to therapeutically exploit undruggable vulnerabilities is preferable.

Position Responsibilities

• Oversee an early-stage small molecule portfolio, leading program teams and managing team leaders.

• Demonstrate strong scientific acumen and the ability to conceptualize innovative target or modality ideas. Demonstrate resourcefulness and creative scientific thinking to identify paths to best-in-class therapeutics and evaluate novel first-in-class targets of interest, including undruggable targets, in a competitive landscape.

• Support the program team objectives including investigating therapeutic hypotheses, guiding assay development, screening strategies, drug mechanisms of action studies, lead optimization efforts and target candidate profiles.

• Create and sustain a high-performing and motivated team and culture of responsible innovation with integrity. Supervise a diverse team of lab-based associates and experienced biology leaders to support their project responsibilities and development goals.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the broader tumor intrinsic portfolio from early target ideation to advanced pre-clinical programs and IND enabling studies.

• Exhibit excellent management and oral and written communication skills. Present portfolio decisions to senior management and cross-functional teams, influencing and informing key strategic choices.

• Actively collaborate and forge strong partnerships with cross functional groups and key stakeholde