Associate Scientist, Molecular Biology, Next-Generation Sequencing, and Assay Development

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 Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center at BMS is a fundamental Oncology research engine delivering oncology and hematology therapeutics to patients. The TRC has a major focus on exploiting BMS’ expertise in protein degradation to discover and develop therapies aimed at tumor intrinsic vulnerabilities and mechanisms of resistance to existing cancer therapeutics. This focus on protein degradation allows us to attack protein classes that were previously deemed undruggable.

Position Summary:

The Sequencing Research & Genomics (SRG) group at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is seeking a conscientious, highly motivated, and detail-oriented Associate Scientist with experience in molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, and laboratory automation. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development, optimization, and implementation of genomics workflows that support early drug discovery program advancement.

As part of the Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center, the successful candidate will work in a collaborative, cross-functional environment focused on enabling high-quality, reproducible, and scalable genomics technologies. The candidate will support hands-on laboratory execution across nucleic acid extraction, NGS library preparation, sample QC, sequencer loading, and automation-enabled workflow development. This position is well suited for a technically strong scientist who enjoys meticulous experimental work, operational rigor, protocol refinement, and the translation of manual molecular biology workflows onto automated liquid handling platforms.

The candidate will contribute to SRG’s mission of enabling high-quality genomic data generation across diverse biological systems and project teams, helping advance scientific understanding of disease biology and therapeutic hypotheses with line of sight to patient impact.

Position Responsibilities

In the role as an Associate Scientist within the Sequencing Research & Genomics team, the ideal candidate will:

• Support NGS laboratory operations by performing RNA and DNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, sample normalization, NGS library preparation, library QC, pooling, and sequencer loading across established genomics workflows.

• Execute molecular biology and NGS workflows with strong technical rigor, including DNA-Seq, RNA-Seq, targeted sequencing, amplicon-based workflows, and other sequencing-based assays as needed to support research programs.

• Contribute to automation-enabled workflow development by supporting the transfer, optimization, and benchmarking of manual molecular biology and NGS protocols onto automated liquid handling platforms.

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated liquid handling systems in collaboration with team members and automation partners, ensuring reliable execution of routine and developing workflows.

• Participate in assay optimization and technology benchmarking, including testing workflow modifications, assessing assay performance, comparing manual and automated approaches, and contributing to continuous improvement of throughput, reproducibility, and data quality.

• Develop, revise, and maintain protocols and SOPs, ensuring methods are clearly documented, reproducible, and aligned with evolving laboratory best practices.

• Generate, organize, and maintain meticulous experimental records, including sample information, protocol versions, instrument runs, QC metrics, deviations, troubleshooting notes, and workflow outcomes.

• Analyze, summarize, and interpret experimental results in collaboration with team members, and prepare clear data summaries, figures, tables, and written updates for internal discussions.

• Work predominantly within established protocols while contributing to problem-solving efforts in situations that require optimization, troubleshooting, or adaptation of existing workflows.

• Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives related to routine molecular biology workflows, automated liquid handling methods, sample QC, library preparation, sequencing performance, and assay reproducibility.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to evaluate, benchmark, and implement automation-compatible assays, and workflow solutions.

• Support cell-based assay workflows, including maintenance and troubleshooting of cell-based experimental systems that interface with downstream genomics readouts.

• Communicate effectively within a matrixed research environment, working closely with scientists, automation specialists, computational collaborators, and project teams to ensure high-quality execution and timely delivery of genomics data.

EXPERIENCE

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree

  • 2+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor degree with 2+ years of academic and/or industry experience in molecular biology, biotechnology, or biochemistry

• Developed knowledge of molecular biology principles and hands-on experience with techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction and purification, PCR, qPCR, cloning, nucleic acid quantification, and nucleic acid quality assessment.

• Practical experience with NGS workflows, including library preparation, sample QC, library quantification, pooling, and sequencing run setup.

• Hands-on experience with automated liquid handlers or laboratory automation platforms is preferred.

• Experience supporting the automation, optimization, or benchmarking of molecular biology workflows, particularly NGS library preparation or other nucleic acid-based assays.

• Strong understanding of experimental design principles and the ability to execute experiments with precision, consistency, and careful attention to detail.

• Ability to follow established protocols while contributing thoughtfully to troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.

• Strong record-keeping practices, including accurate documentation of experimental conditions, sample metadata, protocol changes, QC results, and instrument runs.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, support project timelines, and maintain high-quality execution in a fast-paced research environment.

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional team.

• Proactive, positive, and solution-oriented mindset, with strong communication skills and a commitment to scientific rigor, reproducibility, and operational excellence.

• Exposure to cell biology techniques, including mammalian cell culture and functional assays for drug response or perturbation studies, is a plus.

• Experience working in a genomics core, automation-focused laboratory, discovery biology group, or high-throughput screening environment is a plus.

#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:

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 visithttps://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.

Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:

• Health Coverage:Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.

• Wellbeing Support:Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

• Financial Well-being and Protection:401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.

​Work-life benefits include:

Paid Time Off

• US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees)

• Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays

Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.

All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.

*Eligibility Disclosure:The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the 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 t...