Bristol Myers Squibb
Associate Director, Discovery Biology - Protein Homeostasis TRC
Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Associate Director, Discovery Biology - Protein Homeostasis TRC
5 days ago – Be among the first 25 applicants.
Working with Us: Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. 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 will get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high‑achieving teams.
Location: San Diego, CA – US (On‑site)
Reports to: Executive Director, Protein Homeostasis TRC
Position Summary The Discovery Biology Department in Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center (PH TRC) at Bristol Myers Squibb 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, 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 shape research strategies, mentor teams, and foster 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
Oversees 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.
Guides mechanistic studies and target validation experiments using state-of-the-art technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, inducible shRNA, lentiviral systems, functional and biochemical assays).
Ensures data integrity, high-quality reporting, and presentation of results to internal governance boards and external scientific forums.
Collaboration & Innovation
Fosters partnerships with internal groups (medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics, translational and clinical teams) and external collaborators (academia, biotech, CROs) to expand capabilities and accelerate discovery efforts.
Champions 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
Prepares and reviews scientific reports, regulatory documents, publications, and patent applications.
Communicates findings and strategic updates effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
Quality & Compliance
Ensures 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 considered. Minimum 4 years of direct team leadership and management experience required.
Demonstrated expertise in scientific leadership for drug discovery, target validation, and translational research, particularly in protein homeostasis, oncology, hematology or related areas.
Proficiency 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.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities using scientific data analysis tools (GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, Excel, PowerPoint).
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with 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.
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 may be available.
Benefits Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect and include 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 including paid national holidays, optional holidays, Global Shutdown Days, up to 120 hours of paid vacation, up to two (2) paid days to volunteer, sick time off, and summer hour flexibility; parental, caregiver, bereavement and military leave; family care services such as adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, fertility/infertility benefits, support for traveling mothers, child, elder and pet care resources; other perks like tuition reimbursement and a recognition program.
On-site Protocol Occupancy type determines where an employee is required to conduct work. Site‑essential roles require 100% onsite at assigned facility. Site‑by‑design roles may be eligible for a hybrid model with at least 50% onsite. Roles may be field-based or remote‑by‑design. All employees have access to reasonable workplace accommodations and ongoing support.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement BMS is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations and ongoing support. The company considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable laws.
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Working with Us: Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. 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 will get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high‑achieving teams.
Location: San Diego, CA – US (On‑site)
Reports to: Executive Director, Protein Homeostasis TRC
Position Summary The Discovery Biology Department in Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center (PH TRC) at Bristol Myers Squibb 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, 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 shape research strategies, mentor teams, and foster 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
Oversees 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.
Guides mechanistic studies and target validation experiments using state-of-the-art technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, inducible shRNA, lentiviral systems, functional and biochemical assays).
Ensures data integrity, high-quality reporting, and presentation of results to internal governance boards and external scientific forums.
Collaboration & Innovation
Fosters partnerships with internal groups (medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics, translational and clinical teams) and external collaborators (academia, biotech, CROs) to expand capabilities and accelerate discovery efforts.
Champions 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
Prepares and reviews scientific reports, regulatory documents, publications, and patent applications.
Communicates findings and strategic updates effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
Quality & Compliance
Ensures 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 considered. Minimum 4 years of direct team leadership and management experience required.
Demonstrated expertise in scientific leadership for drug discovery, target validation, and translational research, particularly in protein homeostasis, oncology, hematology or related areas.
Proficiency 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.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities using scientific data analysis tools (GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, Excel, PowerPoint).
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with 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.
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 may be available.
Benefits Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect and include 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 including paid national holidays, optional holidays, Global Shutdown Days, up to 120 hours of paid vacation, up to two (2) paid days to volunteer, sick time off, and summer hour flexibility; parental, caregiver, bereavement and military leave; family care services such as adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, fertility/infertility benefits, support for traveling mothers, child, elder and pet care resources; other perks like tuition reimbursement and a recognition program.
On-site Protocol Occupancy type determines where an employee is required to conduct work. Site‑essential roles require 100% onsite at assigned facility. Site‑by‑design roles may be eligible for a hybrid model with at least 50% onsite. Roles may be field-based or remote‑by‑design. All employees have access to reasonable workplace accommodations and ongoing support.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement BMS is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations and ongoing support. The company considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable laws.
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