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Principal Scientist, ADCs Discovery Biology, Oncology Thematic Research Center

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) · Cambridge Crossing - MA - US

Full-timeOn-sitePosted 12 August 2026
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Job description

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 Oncology Thematic Research Center at BMS is one of the fundamental research and early development engines delivering oncology therapeutics to patients. The scientists at this state-of-the-art research and development site in Cambridge focus on novel tumor intrinsic targets and pathways for tumors that are refractory to current Immuno-Oncology and Oncology therapies and implement our discovery platforms across all of our therapeutic areas of focus. 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 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. We are seeking a creative and driven scientist to join our expanding ADC Discovery team and play an important role in advancing next-generation oncology therapeutics. As a Principal Scientist, you will independently lead antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) drug discovery programs from target concept to IND filing, leveraging proprietary technologies and collaborating with top experts in the field. The qualified candidate should be a highly motivated, independent, and collaborative scientist capable of leading cross-functional teams and executing rigorous biology programs across a highly matrixed organization. Our team thrives on creativity, rigorous science, and a shared commitment to transforming cancer care. In the role as a Principal Scientist within Discovery Biology, the ideal candidate will: Lead highly matrixed ADC discovery teams from target concept to IND and lead/mentor a biology team supporting in vitro experimentation Leverage current and new techniques for function-based identification and selection of antibody-drug-conjugate (ADC) lead drug candidates Apply extensive technical knowledge to address ADC mechanisms of action, including evaluating novel payload classes and linker strategies Collaborate with functional area leads (e.g., pharmacology, DMPK, bioinformatics, informatics and predictive science) to drive programs forward, including helping to define program priorities and risks Work with bioinformaticians and translational research scientists to design and execute studies supporting patient stratification and identification of appropriate target engagement PD markers Present complex scientific concepts to a range of audiences including governance committees and full team project meetings Communicate findings and progress clearly and effectively via email, written reports, and scientific presentations Mentor and develop junior scientists within the team, fostering a collaborative and scientifically rigorous environment Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree and 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience Or Master’s Degree and 6+ years of academic and / or industry experience Or Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences and 4+ years of academic and / or industry experience Preferred Qualifications Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences with 4+ years of industry experience in oncology drug discovery Hands-on experience in the design, development, and optimization of high-throughput cell-based assays for antibody screening and ADC activity Experience profiling and developing complex biologics (e.g., bispecifics, biparatopics, masked antibodies) Experience with linker-payload design and evaluation, including both cytotoxic and targeted payload classes Experience contributing to an IND filing Developing leadership skills with demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and mentor a team of lab-based in vitro biologists Ability to efficiently manage and prioritize multiple projects, coordinating in-house research with collaborative work Ability to summarize and interpret complex scientific data in a clear, concise, and accurate manner Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, and governance committees Strong problem-solving skills and sound understanding of complex scientific principles Demonstrated experience leveraging AI and data-driven tools to support scientific decision-making and program planning #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: Cambridge Crossing: $156,180 - $189,252 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 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 ho

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