Senior Associate Scientist - Molecular Biology, Immuno-Oncology and Cell Therapy Details

Senior Associate Scientist - Molecular Biology, Immuno-Oncology and Cell Therapy

Bristol Myers Squibb - Seattle, WA

Employment Type : Full-Time

At Bristol Myers Squibb, we are inspired by a single vision – transforming patients’ lives through science. In oncology, hematology, immunology and cardiovascular disease – and one of the most diverse and promising pipelines in the industry – each of our passionate colleagues contribute to innovations that drive meaningful change. We bring a human touch to every treatment we pioneer. Join us and make a difference.

The BMS Immuno-Oncology and Cell Therapy Thematic Research Center is seeking an enthusiastic, self-driven researcher with a passion for biological engineering to join our team in designing and building the next generation of Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) and T Cell Receptor (TCRs) technologies.

The candidate will join us in leveraging our current understanding of CAR T cell and T cell biology, as well as high-throughput sequencing data, to develop new molecular biology engineering strategies to build the next- generation of cell therapies. We want an enthusiastic molecular engineer who loves the nuts and bolts of novel assay development and complicated plasmid design. The role will largely involve designing and constructing plasmids, generation of libraries for next-generation sequencing, carrying out screening workflows and data analysis, and assay development. People who would thrive in this position are self-motivated, intellectually curious, and excited to carry out interdisciplinary research involving interplay between experimental and bioinformatics pipelines.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and build next-generation CAR T cell and cell therapy constructs using plasmid map construction software and molecular biology cloning techniques

• Design and build pooled libraries using plasmid map construction software and molecular biology cloning techniques for high throughput genetic screens

• Help plan and execute experiments using CRISPRi/a to manipulate mammalian cell gene expression

• Genetic manipulation of mammalian cells via CRISPR/lentiviruses/AAV

• Develop and optimize assays

• Participate in interpretation of the results of experiments, efficiently communicate results to help team in the planning of follow-up experiments

• Become familiar with primary literature to understand current issues facing the field and contribute new engineering solutions

• Maintain meticulous Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) records of cloning strategies, bench experiments, and data analyses

• Undergo training in new techniques as projects evolve

Basic Qualification

• Extensive Molecular biology experience

  • Restriction enzyme cloning, Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate Assembly

  • PCR/qPCR/ddPCR principles and analysis

  • DNA/RNA extraction

  • DNA/RNA sequencing and analysis

  • High throughput sequencing

  • High throughput plasmid purification

• Experience with plasmid/plasmid library construct design

• Experience with plasmid construction software such as Geneious or Snapgene

• Experience with mammalian cell culture (both primary cells and cell lines)

• Moderate knowledge of cell therapy and immunology

• Highly organized, with the ability to manage large numbers of samples and independently track progress through varying stages of a process or project.

• Comfortable taking initiative when asked, able to multi-task while staying true to team priorities, and work collaboratively as part of a group with diverse experiences and skill levels

Preferred Qualification

• Hands-on experience with laboratory automation and liquid handling robots.

• Experience with record-keeping using electronic lab notebook software such as Benchling.

• Familiarity with cellular transfection (electroporation, cationic lipids, etc.)

• Experience with lentivirus/AAV production. Experience with manipulation of mammalian cell gene expression through AAV /Lentiviral transduction. Experience with multi-color flow cytometry

• Familiarity with RNA-seq and ATAC-seq. Passion for epigenetics a plus!

• Familiarity with next-generation sequencing platforms, including sample preparation and analysis for Illumina

• Experience with electronic lab notebook systems (Benchling)

Level consideration will be determined based on prior experience.

Senior Research Associate: Bachelor’s degree in cellular or molecular biology, biological engineering or a related scientific field with 3+ years or Master’s degree with 2+ years.

Associate Scientist: Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years or Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience.

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 the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives.

“Living drugs” such as CAR T cells are already revolutionizing cancer treatment, and our goal is to create the CAR T cells of the future that will expand the number of patients that we are able to treat, and further improve outcomes for those receiving that treatment. Join us, won’t you?

BMSCART

Around the world, we are passionate about making an impact on the lives of patients with serious diseases. Empowered to apply our individual talents and diverse perspectives in an inclusive culture, our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.

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.