Job Details

Scientist, Discovery Toxicology

Drug Dev and Preclinical Studies

icon-location-marker San Diego - CA - US
Posted Today Full_time R1597896

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.

The Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization organization at Bristol Myers Squibb is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary department that works to discover and optimize new drug candidates.  We work across all therapeutic areas and all modalities (small molecules, biotherapeutics, gene and cell therapies and other novel modalities),and engage with all other R&D functions to advance new assets in the BMS portfolio.  Our integrated, cross-functional teams apply deep expertise in drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics (DMPK), toxicology, pharmaceutics, and bioanalysis to identify and solve issues, discover high quality drug candidates, and enable their clinical development. Here, you’ll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities that are uncommon in scale and scope. You’ll pursue innovative ideas while advancing professionally alongside some of the brightest minds in biopharma.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an innovative scientist to join the Discovery Toxicology laboratory at BMS San Diego. The Discovery Toxicology team supports the early-stage discovery of pharmaceuticals, including early risk assessment, mechanistic investigation, and risk mitigation from initial target identification through to development candidate nomination. The scientist will serve as an integral member of the Discovery Toxicology team and conduct experiments to support the progression of assets across modalities (e.g., small molecule, targeted protein degraders, antibody-drug conjugates, oligonucleotides, peptides, etc.) within the discovery portfolio. The successful candidate will be expected to explore and evaluate novel assays and laboratory techniques to expand internal capabilities and contribute to the advancement of toxicology research. A key area of research will include the development, characterization, and qualification of complex in vitro models for toxicology-related contexts of use including but not limited to organoids, spheroids, and microphysiological systems such as tissue chips. Advanced experience in primary cell culture and molecular biology is essential, and education/background in toxicology, cell biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field is required. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret in vitro cell culture and molecular biology experiments
  • Develop and evaluate primary cell-based and/or iPSC-based complex in vitro models
  • Apply analytical techniques such as ELISA, PCR, CRISPR, biochemical assays, immunofluorescence, Jess, etc., for the functional evaluation of in vitro models
  • Author internal reports and manuscripts associated with exploratory/investigative activities in scientific journals and present research internally and at external conferences
  • Develop and maintain clear assay protocols and data documentation to facilitate method sharing among scientists in Discovery Toxicology
  • Learn to conduct analytical assays that can support broad-based mechanistic toxicology investigations
  • Work collaboratively with functional experts across the organization to successfully execute projects

Basic Qualifications:

  • Master’s with 3+ years relevant experience in industry or academic equivalent or PhD in Toxicology or other relevant discipline (e.g., Pharmacology, Biomedical Engineering, Immunology, Biology, etc.) and a general understanding of drug discovery and development is required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficient mammalian cell culture skills are required with experience in primary cell culture
  • Experience working with complex in vitro models such as organs-on-chip, 3D tissues, spheroids, organoids, etc. is desired but not essential
  • Expertise in molecular biology techniques and assay development (e.g., ELISA, western blotting, multiplexed protein analysis, PCR, gene editing, etc.) is required
  • Ability to design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret in vitro experiments and develop protocols to facilitate method sharing among scientists in Discovery Toxicology
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team environment
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills are a must

#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: $118,450 - $143,531


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.

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 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/

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.