Principal Scientist, Discovery BioSciences Genomics, Oncology TRC
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At Bristol Myers Squibb, our employees often ask, “Who are you working for?”, a question that fuels collaboration, accountability, and urgency in our work. Our purpose-driven culture inspires us to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to prevail over serious diseases. We offer uniquely interesting and meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment that values inclusion, wellbeing, flexibility, and comprehensive benefits. This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it.
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.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced and talented Principal Scientist to join our Discovery Biosciences Genomics team. This individual will play a key role in advancing our oncology drug discovery programs, with a focus on multi-omics approaches including genomics, functional genomics, next-generation sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics to support next-generation target identification, validation, mechanism of action, biomarker, and translational research studies. This position is heavily focused on wet lab work, contributing to cutting-edge research projects aimed at understanding cancer biology, identifying novel drug targets, and developing new therapeutic approaches. The role includes implementing and running advanced genomics technologies (such as single-cell RNA seq, spatial transcriptomics, NGS workflows) and functional genomics assays (CRISPR screening, model engineering, novel screening modalities) to support projects in multiple areas including target identification and validation, and translational research in a cross-functional environment with minimal supervision. The successful candidate will bring deep scientific expertise, creative problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset to drive impactful research working in a cross-functional high-paced environment.
Location
Cambridge Crossing, MA
Position Responsibilities
In the role as a Principal Scientist within the Discovery Biosciences Genomics team, the ideal candidate will:
Conduct full-time laboratory-based research supporting target identification, oncology drug discovery with minimal supervision
Take initiative in experimental design, development and optimization of genomics and functional assays to evaluate therapeutic candidates and decipher mechanism of action
Implement and execute novel genomic assays, such as single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and functional genomics screening strategies
Manage and support various research projects and collaborations across the early oncology portfolio, asset progression and translational research space.
Run and/or supervise standard NGS workflows and assays
Collaborate cross-functionally to support the Oncology portfolio, working closely with Discovery Biology, Predictive Sciences, Computational Genomics and other functional area groups
Communicate project updates and results, maintain accurate ELN/LIMS documentation, analyze and interpret experimental data, and present findings contributing to the preparation of technical reports, publications, and presentations
Train and assist other team and site members, working collaboratively in a matrixed environment
Experience =
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience
Or
Master’s Degree 6+ years of academic and / or industry experience
Or
Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences 4+ years of academic and / or industry experience
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD with 4+ years of relevant experience with a strong scientific mindset and a solid foundation for the application of novel genomics, functional genomics, and spatial technologies
Extensive hands-on experience with advanced genomics technologies, including single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics (10x Visium HD, Bruker CosMx, 10x Xenium), RNA-seq, WGS, WES, qPCR, dPCR, custom RNA/DNA isolation, NGS library construction and sequencing, high-throughput molecular assays, automation, data analysis, and data interpretation
Strong experience developing and applying gene perturbation and functional genomics methods, including CRISPR-mediated genome editing and screening, siRNA/shRNA knockdown, nucleofection, and lentiviral delivery
Proven track record designing, developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting molecular and cellular assays and innovative methodologies
Strong foundation with broad experience applying genomic and functional genomic approaches to understand disease biology, identify and validate targets, and support biomarker discovery. Cancer biology experience preferred but not required
Hands-on experience with cellular and molecular biology techniques, including 2D and 3D cell culture, complex cellular models, organoids, immune and stromal cell co-cultures, high-content imaging, flow cytometry, cell proliferation and reporter assays, molecular cloning, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, ELISA, MSD, and proteomics
Experience with cancer model development, in vivo studies, donor sample handling, FFPE and clinical samples, and cell separation technologies such as FACS and microfluidics
Familiarity with large-scale oncology datasets such as DepMap, cBioPortal, and TCGA to generate and test hypotheses
Proficiency in data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism and FlowJo, with familiarity in bioinformatics, AI, and machine-learning approaches for genomics and spatial transcriptomics
Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively and manage collaborations across multiple groups in a highly collaborative environment
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with familiarity using Jira, LIMS, Confluence, or other project-management solutions
#LI-Onsite
We hire for skills and capabilities, not just credentials – if this role excites you, but doesn’t perfectly match your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway.
Compensation Overview:
Cambridge Crossing: $156,180 - $189,252 

The starting pay range(s) listed above is for full-time employees (FTE). You may also be eligible for additional discretionary incentive cash and stock opportunities. We determine starting pay thoughtfully – carefully considering the nature of the role, required skills, work location, schedule and the knowledge and experience you bring. Final compensation is guided by pay equity principles and applicable employment laws. Compensation programs are reviewed on an ongoing basis and may be adjusted over time to reflect evolving market factors, and individual, team or Company performance.
Benefits:
Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, you may be eligible to participate in our comprehensive benefit plans – including wellbeing support, retirement and financial protection benefits, and insurance offerings (medical, dental, vision, life and disability).
U.S.-based exempt employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off (FTO), which provides paid time off without a set accrual limit, subject to manager approval, along with 11 paid company holidays each year.
Non-exempt employees, RayzeBio employees, and employees located in Puerto Rico receive 160 hours of paid vacation annually for new hires (subject to manager approval), 11 paid company holidays, and 3 optional holidays.
Depending on eligibility, employees may also have access to additional time-off benefits, including paid sick leave, up to two paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, and leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, or military needs. Eligible employees also enjoy an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
U.S.-based job seekers can explore full benefit offerings at https://careers.bms.com/benefits
How We Work
Where you work matters – because collaboration, innovation and patient impact happen in many settings. Our roles are structured across four work models: site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design. The model assigned to this role is based on its core responsibilities. Learn more at https://careers.bms.com/ways-of-working.
Supporting People with Disabilities
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 adastaffingsupport@bms.com . Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
Candidate Rights
BMS will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.
For roles based in Los Angeles County only: 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/
Data Protection
We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection .
Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
If this posting is missing required information required by local law or incorrect, contact BMS at TAEnablement@bms.com with the Job Title and Requisition number. Do not send application-related inquiries to this email. To check your application status, please login to your Candidate Home Account.
R1607206 : Principal Scientist, Discovery BioSciences Genomics, Oncology TRC
Job details
How this role compares
Computed from every other active Drug Discovery & Preclinical Research role in our database, not just this employer's listings.
We currently track 212 comparable Principal Drug Discovery & Preclinical Research roles across 44 biopharma companies.
Salary context
81 of 212 peers report a salary range (USD, annualized)
Peers share this role's job function and a matching or adjacent seniority level -- not necessarily the same therapeutic area or country.
Where these roles are based
Top locations among the 212 comparable roles
+ 7 more countries
Seniority mix
212 of 212 peers have a known seniority level
Therapeutic area mix
33 of 212 peers have a known therapeutic area; the rest are genuinely unlabeled, not hidden
Similar opportunities
The closest matches from our peer group, ranked by how similar they are, not how well you'd qualify for them -- treat this as market context, not a guaranteed shortlist; a weak match is labeled as one below.
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How we calculate "similar"
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Every comparison starts from the same 100-point budget: 25 for working in the same function, 40 for the same therapeutic area, 20 for the same or adjacent seniority, 15 for the same country. A dimension we can't confirm on both sides contributes nothing, never a guess, never a free pass.
0 points, never a partial guess. A role we know almost nothing about beyond its function bottoms out at 25%; it never inflates to 100% just because there's little to compare against. Seniority uses a defined ladder (Associate → Manager → Associate Director → Senior → Principal → Director → Senior Director → Executive/VP) so "Director" and "Senior Director" count as adjacent, but "Director" and "Executive/VP" do not.