Materials Scientist, Cell Therapy

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 Development Engineering & Automation (DE&A) group within the Cell Therapy Development & Operations (CTDO) organization is focused on novel technology development. The group combines the skills of engineers and scientists to demonstrate the feasibility and robustness of next generation manufacturing equipment and process technologies. Materials science, especially that associated with the unique media, buffers, and process reagents used in cell therapy, is a crucial part of this technology advancement.

Transforming novel biologic and genetic transduction operations from the lab bench to large scale manufacturing requires a unique set of skills to collaborate with external and internal partners and gain buy-in from internal stakeholders. We are seeking a Materials Scientist for our Development Raw Materials Center of Excellence who will support the development and implementation of raw materials for our early stage programs. Working in a matrix environment, this position will advance the use of state-of-the-art materials and industry best practices to help deliver the next generation of cell therapy products to patients.

The successful candidate will:

• Be responsible for leading raw material projects for early stage programs
• Utilize their technical understanding of raw materials and industry best practices to guide development teams on the development, selection, and qualification of new raw materials based on scientific, quality, and regulatory criteria
• Collaborate with internal partners and customers across the network to prioritize and execute risk mitigation and continuous improvement initiatives to improve the quality and supply chain robustness of existing raw materials
• Engage suppliers on technical and strategic topics as part of developing new raw materials and improving existing raw materials
• Partner with raw material suppliers in preparation for transition from development use to clinical and commercial manufacturing
• Execute technical diligence visits to raw material supplier sites with cross-functional teams
• Deliver strategies for prioritizing and executing raw material projects, including the establishment and improvement of internal standards and business processes

Basic Qualifications:

• BS in Materials Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related discipline with 6+ years of relevant experience in the biopharmaceutical industry
• Demonstrated scientific contributions to the selection, qualification, and implementation of raw materials for biological products
• Ability to think strategically and develop actionable plans to address complex problems and business process gaps to meet the needs of key customers and stakeholders
• Self-motivated individual with demonstrated ability to work effectively across a network, independently and as part of cross-functional teams, to build strong collaborative relationships with customers, partners, and suppliers
• Ability to independently manage multiple, concurrent projects and balance urgency, quality, and risk in a matrix environment
• Proven technical and strategic problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of GMP manufacturing practices and documentation requirements
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20%

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree preferred
• Experience with development of specifications for raw materials used in cell therapy manufacturing
• Experience in a technical role working with suppliers of raw materials for biopharmaceutical or cell therapy manufacturing, including collaborative engagement on investigations, technical diligence, and strategic initiatives
• Knowledge of regulatory/compendial requirements for raw materials used in biomanufacturing
• Experience with raw material supplier selection and supplier relationship management
• Understanding of key considerations for single-use containers used for raw materials
• Familiarity with raw material supply chains and manufacturing methods
• Contributions to industry consortia (e.g. BPOG) to drive establishment and improvement of industry best practices and standards for raw material development and management
• Experience with performing supplier technical diligence visits and/or quality audits

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.