Associate Director, Biomarker Technologies and Assay Development

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 Tumor Microenvironment Thematic Research Center (TME TRC) comprises of scientists across multiple disciplines who are responsible for the biology and translational science necessary to support drug development from target identification through to first in human studies. Our focus is on developing therapeutic targets at the intersection of stromal, tumor and immune biology that enhance responsiveness to checkpoint blockade and other targeted therapies, and transform response and durability rates for cancer patients.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Translational Research, you will be part of a group that is dedicated to developing and delivering on translational and biomarker strategies for programs from preclinical discovery to First in Human studies.

The Associate Director, Biomarker Technologies and Assay Development will head the Biomarker Technologies and Assay Development cores comprising of ~8 researchers with responsibility for providing cutting-edge translational support for all programs within the TME TRC portfolio, from preclinical through to clinical stage. This includes execution of exploratory biomarker efforts dependent on the core technology expertise within the group, and the design, development and optimization of clinic-ready biomarker assays, in close alignment with Translational Development biomarker leads.

Position Summary:

You will lead a team of ~8 scientists that comprise the TME TRC translational core technology groups with expertise in next generation sequencing (NGS)/gene manipulation and flow cytometry. You will effectively collaborate with TME TRC discovery and translational research and development colleagues as well as colleagues in supportive line functions (including discovery biotherapeutics, informatics and predictive sciences, early clinical development and project leadership) to develop high quality clinic-ready target engagement and pharmacodynamics (proximal and distal) biomarker assays for all development candidate programs within the TRC. Your team will also provide the technological support to aid in the mechanistic understanding and preliminary biomarker identification required to progress earlier stage projects and models.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the scientific leadership and overall effectiveness of theBiomarker Technologies and Assay Development team consisting of theTRC-dedicated NGS/Gene manipulation, and flow cytometry.

• Responsible fordesign, development and optimization of clinic-ready biomarker assays for target engagement and pharmacodynamics, in close alignment with Translational Development biomarker leads.

• Responsible for design and execution of exploratory biomarker and model characterization efforts that are dependent on core technology capabilities, in close alignment with discovery, pharmacology and other translational research colleagues.

• Responsible for demonstrating leadership consistent with BMSs philosophy including developing team members and maintaining the highest degree of scientific excellence and personal motivation for staff.

• Responsible for ensuring the output of the biomarker assay development meets established program standards (within budget, on schedule, compliance, etc.), while also looking for opportunities to streamline progress without compromising quality.

• Responsible for proactively providing insight into novel ways to assess target engagement and pharmacodyamic assays to enable early understanding of emerging drug profiles.

• Responsible for providing subject matter expertise in both internal and external settings including in CRO assessments, due diligences, clinical data analysis and external collaborations.

• Responsible for effectively collaborating with other groups within the TME TRC and for building productive relationships and networks with other translational technology teams at other sites within BMS.

Requirements:

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent advanced biology degree with 8+ years of industry experience in translational research and biomarker assay development, with direct experience in leading a technology-based team (either NGS or flow cytometry)

• Extensive technical experience and expertise in the design and generation of cutting-edge clinic-ready biomarker assays in the field of oncology/immunology.

• Strong technical knowledge and understanding of the role of translational research/medicine and clinical biomarkers in drug development.

• Proven track-record in successfully managing and leading a team of scientists, preferably with a technology focus.

• Ability to function as a subject matter expert (across technology platforms) to support the TME TRC portfolio, including technical assessment of biomarker data emerging from clinic.

• Experience in supporting biomarker assay transfer and technical validation to external CROs, including diligence on CROs.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with direct experience in preparation of documents to support translational sections of INDs (or equivalent) preferred.

BMSONCRD, BMSDDTMRCA

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.

Physical presence at the BMS worksite or physical presence in the field is an essential job function of this role which the Company deems critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, employee well-being and engagement, and enhances the Company culture.

To protect the safety of our workforce, customers, patients and communities, the policy of the Company requires all employees and workers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have received an exception based on an approved request for a medical or religious reasonable accommodation. Therefore, all BMS applicants seeking a role located in the U.S. and Puerto Rico must confirm that they have already received or are willing to receive the full COVID-19 vaccination by their start date as a qualification of the role and condition of employment. This requirement is subject to state and local law restrictions and may not be applicable to employees working in certain jurisdictions such as Montana. This requirement is also subject to discussions with collective bargaining representatives in the U.S.

Our company is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request an approval of accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application or if you are applying to a role based in the U.S. or Puerto Rico and you believe that you are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief, during or any part of the recruitment process, please direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

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