Senior Research Investigator II (Cancer Genetics Focus)

Summary

The Senior Research Investigator II will join the Immune Resistance Biology Research Team at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Redwood City, CA to support preclinical drug development against therapeutic targets at the intersection of tumor genetics and tumor immune biology. This team is composed of cancer biologists, cancer geneticists, immunologists and immuno oncologists who work to develop therapies to address mechanisms of resistance to immune oncology agents.

Responsibilities

The qualified candidate is a highly motivated, interactive, and creative individual who possesses substantial experience in studying tumor biology and genetics, and experience or strong interest as to how these features impact immune responses to the tumor. The candidate is expected to contribute to the team's project portfolio by developing new project hypotheses (gleaned from literature reports, evaluation of public and proprietary tumor profiling datasets, preclinical mechanistic models and screens, etc.), validate the hypothesis in preclinical models, and develop assays to support early preclinical drug development. Experience in small molecule drug discovery is highly desirable. Since BMS is a matrixed organization, the candidate will be expected to effectively collaborate with colleagues in supportive line functions (including oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology, medicinal chemistry, lead optimization and translational medicine) to advance preclinical development of therapeutic candidates to early clinical development. The opportunity to gain experience in biologics preclinical drug development will be available. The successful candidate will demonstrate clear and professional verbal and written communication, capable of presenting scientific results to multidisciplinary teams, senior management and at external scientific meetings. The candidate will develop external partnerships/collaborations to advance internal programs and the understanding of the interplay between tumor genetics/biology and anti-tumor immune responses as well as publish to advance our science and support our scientific reputation. S/he will also manage an in vitro biology lab to support their project responsibilities as well as to contribute to team held objectives, including new project and target ideas. As part of a highly matrixed working team, the individual should demonstrate the ability to contribute to various projects outside of his/her own, as appropriate, and collaborate with stakeholders from all relevant and necessary functions within BMS. S/he will keep up-to-date in the literature related to his/her field, act as an expert resource in his/her scientific field and in related disciplines.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. degree with a minimum of 6 to 8 years of industry/academic relevant experience (depending on level) in cancer biology and genetics or a closely related field is required.
• Industry experience is highly desired with demonstrated abilities to drive preclinical development from target ID to clinical candidate selection, especially experience in small molecules.
• A proven track record in the field of cancer biology and genetics, as evidenced by publication and patent application record is required.
• Experience or the ability to innovate in novel preclinical in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo oncology model development that enables bridging from tumor biology to host immunity is highly desired.
• Key technical skills include proficiency in molecular biology techniques and genomics, cellular pharmacodynamics assay design, design and interpretation of pharmacology experiments (PK, PD and efficacy).
• Demonstrated expertise to independently apply bioinformatics and data mining through multi-variate analysis; ability to effectively interact with core bioinformatics colleagues, as well as to use desktop tools/interfaces (e.g., Oncoland, Wuxi) and public databases (CBIO, Achilles, etc.) is required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and influence effectively with people, internally and externally, is required.
• Management/supervisory experience is ideal.
• The ability to manage a small laboratory group is expected, including providing from growth and development opportunities for associates reports.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required, as is the ability to effectively present scientific data and concepts to international standards.
• This position is located in Redwood City, CA. There will be less than 10-20% travel.