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Associate Director, Discovery Biology - Protein…
- Bristol Myers Squibb (San Diego, CA)
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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 .
**Location:** San Diego, CA - US (On-site)
**Reports to:** Executive Director, Protein Homeostasis TRC
The Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center at BMS is a fundamental Oncology research engine delivering oncology and hematology therapeutics to patients. The TRC has a major focus on exploiting BMS' expertise in protein degradation to discover and develop therapies aimed at tumor intrinsic vulnerabilities and mechanisms of resistance to existing cancer therapeutics. This focus on protein degradation allows us to attack protein classes that were previously deemed undruggable.
Position Summary =
The Discovery Biology Department in Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center (PH TRC) at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is seeking a strategic and collaborative Associate Director to lead discovery biology initiatives focused on delivering transformative therapeutics and advancing research across hematologic malignancies, immunology, neurodegeneration, virology, genetic diseases and solid tumors. As a scientific leader in the Discovery Biology Department, you will drive the identification, validation, and advancement of novel drug targets by leveraging multidisciplinary expertise in disease biology, molecular pharmacology, and translational models. The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping research strategies, mentoring teams, and fostering innovation to accelerate pipeline progression.
Position Responsibilities =
In the role as an Associate Director within Protein Homeostasis Discovery Biology, the ideal candidate:
Leadership & Strategy:
+ Leads highly complex, strategic programs and exercises significant autonomy in determining objectives and deliverables.
+ Directs cross-functional project teams in the design, execution, and interpretation of preclinical research programs focused on protein homeostasis pathways.
+ Develops and implements department strategy for target validation, mechanism-of-action, and disease positioning across multiple oncology and non-oncology indications.
+ Shapes portfolio strategy by driving go/no-go decision-making, achievement of key milestone, and optimal resource allocation to advance therapeutic programs.
Scientific Excellence:
+ Oversee development and optimization of advanced cell-based and molecular assays supporting drug discovery and translational research, including novel protein degraders, E3 ubiquitin ligase targeting, and 3D/organoid tumor models.
+ Guide mechanistic studies and target validation experiments using state-of-the-art technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, inducible shRNA, lentiviral systems, functional and biochemical assays).
+ Ensure data integrity, high-quality reporting, and presentation of results to internal governance boards and external scientific forums.
Collaboration & Innovation:
+ Foster partnerships with internal groups (medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics, translational and clinical teams) and external collaborators (academia, biotech, CROs) to expand capabilities and accelerate discovery efforts.
+ Champion adoption and deployment of innovative technologies and platforms to enhance pipeline success.
Team Development:
+ Directly manages a team of scientists, overseeing goal-setting, performance management, coaching, and providing input into hiring, promotions, and compensation decisions.
+ Actively mentors and develops junior scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, inclusion, and continuous learning.
+ Leads team development initiatives, promotes multidisciplinary collaboration, and ensures the integration of diverse scientific perspectives to drive innovation and advance departmental goals.
Communication & Documentation:
+ Prepare and review scientific reports, regulatory documents, publications, and patent applications.
+ Communicate findings and strategic updates effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
Quality & Compliance:
+ Ensure all research activities comply with regulatory guidelines and uphold BMS standards for scientific rigor and integrity.
Experience =
Basic Qualifications:
+ Bachelor's Degree
+ 12+ years of academic and / or industry experience
+ Master's Degree
+ 10+ 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
+ 4+ years of leadership experience
Preferred Qualifications:
+ Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Neuroscience, or a related field with at least 8 years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience; Master's degree with 10+ years or Bachelor's degree with 12+ years will also be considered. Minimum 4 years of direct team leadership and management experience required. Advanced degree and proven leadership preferred.
+ Demonstrated expertise in scientific leadership for drug discovery, target validation, and translational research, particularly in protein homeostasis, oncology, hematology or related areas.
+ Proficient in mammalian cell culture, advanced molecular and cellular techniques (CRISPR/Cas9, shRNA, lentiviral systems, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, functional and 3D/organoid assays), and disease-relevant model development.
+ Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex projects in dynamic environments.
+ Hands-on experience with development of protein degraders, high-content biology platforms, and disease models.
+ Skilled in scientific data analysis tools (GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, Excel, PowerPoint) with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
+ Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a record of scientific publications and regulatory submissions.
+ Proven ability to mentor, motivate, and develop staff, with a strong commitment to quality, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration.
Why Join the Protein Homeostasis TRC at BMS?
Join a pioneering research center dedicated to advancing the science of protein homeostasis and delivering breakthrough therapies for patients with serious diseases. At BMS, you'll be empowered to drive innovation, shape portfolio strategy, and lead multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative, inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits, resources for professional growth, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives.
\#LI-Onsite
If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn't perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.
Compensation Overview:
San Diego - CA - US: $193,540 - $234,521
The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee's work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit https://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect and may include the following: Medical, pharmacy, dental and vision care. Wellbeing support such as the BMS Living Life Better program and employee assistance programs (EAP). Financial well-being resources and a 401(K). Financial protection benefits such as short- and long-term disability, life insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection and survivor support. Work-life programs include paid national holidays and optional holidays, Global Shutdown Days between Christmas and New Year's holiday, up to 120 hours of paid vacation, up to two (2) paid days to volunteer, sick time off, and summer hours flexibility. Parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military leave. Family care services such as adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, fertility/infertility benefits, support for traveling mothers, and child, elder and pet care resources. Other perks like tuition reimbursement and a recognition program.
Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as Transforming patients' lives through science™ , every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.
On-site Protocol
BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:
Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.
BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to [email protected] . Visit careers.bms.com/ (https://careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility) eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
BMS cares about your well-being and the well-being of our staff, customers, patients, and communities. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that all employees be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and keep up to date with Covid-19 boosters.
BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.
If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information: https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/
Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
**Company:** Bristol-Myers Squibb
**Req Number:** R1596230
**Updated:** 2025-10-30 03:31:21.206 UTC
**Location:** San Diego-CA
Bristol Myers Squibb is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, gender expression, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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