Senior Scientist, Vector Attribute Sciences
Bristol Myers Squibb
Summary
As a Senior Scientist within Cell Therapy Analytical Development's Attribute Science group, this technically deep, collaborative, and driven individual will serve as the team's technical leader and subject matter expert for AAV and LVV analytical methods. Grounded in a strong foundation of virology, this person will lead the development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of methods used to characterize viral vector drug substances, while mentoring and guiding other scientists on the team to elevate the group's collective technical capability. This role will help build and elevate CTAD's viral vector analytical expertise to advance next-generation cell therapy modalities.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the team's technical leader for AAV and LVV analytical methods, setting technical direction on method selection, development, and lifecycle management.
- Independently troubleshoot and resolve complex method and instrument performance issues, applying a strong mechanistic understanding of viral vector biology and assay chemistry.
- Develop, qualify, and continuously improve robust analytical methods to characterize AAV and LVV drug substances, including assessment of vector identity, purity, potency, and functional integrity.
- Mentor and coach scientists and associate scientists on the team, elevating overall technical proficiency in viral vector method execution and troubleshooting.
- Partner with process development, manufacturing, and CMC to diagnose and resolve method-related deviations and investigations impacting viral vector programs.
- Lead the identification and definition of Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) for vector drug substances, integrating virology expertise into attribute strategy.
- Author and review SOPs, technical reports, and regulatory submission documents (including S.3.1 sections), ensuring scientific rigor and compliance.
- Present technical strategy and findings to team leadership, cross-functional partners, and external collaborators.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with CTAD peers, research, process development, and CMC, representing viral vector analytical expertise in early platform assessment and program-level discussions.
- Stay current with emerging viral vector analytical technologies and virology literature, bringing new approaches and best practices into the team's toolbox.
Qualifications & Experience
- Ph.D. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related discipline with relevant industry experience; or M.S./B.S. with proportionally greater hands-on experience in viral vector analytical development
- Solid foundation in virology, including AAV and/or lentiviral biology, vector genome structure, capsid/envelope biology, and vector-host interactions
- Demonstrated track record independently troubleshooting analytical methods (e.g., qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, potency/functional assays, capsid or particle characterization) end-to-end, from root-cause diagnosis to resolution
- Proven ability to act as a technical resource and informal leader, mentoring colleagues and driving consistent, high-quality execution across the team
- Hands-on experience developing and qualifying analytical methods for viral (AAV/LVV) gene delivery platforms in a regulated environment; experience with non-viral platforms (e.g., RNP, RNA, LNP) is a plus
- Strong collaborative mindset, with experience partnering cross-functionally across process development, manufacturing, and CMC
- Experience contributing to CQA strategy, technical reports, and regulatory submission documents
- Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts to varied audiences
- Experience with automation and high-throughput analytical solutions is a plus
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related discipline with relevant industry experience; or M.S./B.S. with proportionally greater hands-on experience in viral vector analytical development
- Solid foundation in virology, including AAV and/or lentiviral biology, vector genome structure, capsid/envelope biology, and vector-host interactions
- Demonstrated track record independently troubleshooting analytical methods (e.g., qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, potency/functional assays, capsid or particle characterization) end-to-end, from root-cause diagnosis to resolution
- Proven ability to act as a technical resource and informal leader, mentoring colleagues and driving consistent, high-quality execution across the team
- Hands-on experience developing and qualifying analytical methods for viral (AAV/LVV) gene delivery platforms in a regulated environment
- Strong collaborative mindset, with experience partnering cross-functionally across process development, manufacturing, and CMC
- Experience contributing to CQA strategy, technical reports, and regulatory submission documents
- Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts to varied audiences
- Experience with non-viral platforms (e.g., RNP, RNA, LNP) is a plus
- Experience with automation and high-throughput analytical solutions is a plus
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life & Disability Insurance
- Retirement Benefits
- Flexible Time Off
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Paid Sick Leave
- Volunteer Days
- Summer Hours Flexibility
- Global Shutdown
- Stock Opportunities
- Incentive Cash
Company overview
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. Founded in 1887 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, the company operates with a unique BioPharma strategy that combines the reach and resources of a major pharmaceutical company with the entrepreneurial spirit and agility of a biotech firm. BMS focuses on transformative therapies in key therapeutic areas including oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular disease, and fibrosis. The company has built a sustainable pipeline of potential therapies and leverages translational medicine and data analytics to deliver the right medicine to the right patient at the right time. With over 10,000 employees worldwide, Bristol Myers Squibb maintains a strong commitment to scientific excellence, patient-centric innovation, and global health equity through its foundation. The company's portfolio includes groundbreaking treatments such as Opdivo (nivolumab) for cancer, Eliquis (apixaban) for cardiovascular conditions, and Orencia (abatacept) for autoimmune diseases, among others.