Sr Associate Scientist, Neuroscience, Exploratory Biology

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.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated scientist to join our neuroscience exploratory biology group. This role will focus on characterizing disease-relevant biology using primary and iPSC-derived neuronal and glial systems, supporting target validation and mechanism-of-action studies to advance early-stage neuroscience programs.

Key Responsibilities

Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments to explore neurobiological mechanisms underlying disease-relevant pathways

Culture and maintain primary neuronal cultures, iPSC-derived neurons and glia, and other neuroscience-relevant in vitro systems

Perform target validation studies, including genome editing and genetic perturbation approaches

Conduct mechanism-of-action studies to characterize compound or genetic effects on neuronal and glial biology

Apply immunofluorescence, microscopy, and high-content imaging/analysis to assess cellular phenotypes

Perform qPCR, JESS, ELISA and MEA to support molecular, biochemical and functional characterization

Analyze, document, and present data with rigor and reproducibility; contribute to experimental design discussions

Collaborate cross-functionally with computational biology, translational, and drug discovery teams

Stay current with neuroscience literature and contribute scientific insight to project strategy

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or a related field plus 4+ years of relevant experience

Or a Master's degree plus 2+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

Hands-on academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical experience, including mammalian cell culture

Experience in assay development, target validation, genome editing, genetic perturbation, and mechanism-of-action studies

Proficiency in qPCR, JESS, ELISA, immunofluorescence, microscopy, high-content imaging and analysis

Direct experience with primary neuronal cultures, iPSC-derived neurons and glia, and other neuroscience-relevant in vitro systems strongly preferred

Ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, document, analyze, and present reproducible experiments

Data analysis or visualization experience desirable

Strong organizational and communication skills; able to work independently and cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment

Curiosity, initiative, adaptability, attention to detail, problem-solving, and commitment to scientific rigor, safety, and data quality

Strong foundational neuroscience knowledge preferred

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: $105,040 - $127,287 


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.

R1607431 : Sr Associate Scientist, Neuroscience, Exploratory Biology