Associate Director, Oncology Discovery Biology

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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.

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Associate Director and Group Leader, Oncology Discovery Biology

The Oncology Thematic Research Center at BMS is a key research and early development engine, responsible for the discovery and development of novel oncology therapeutics for patients. Centered at our state-of-the-art research sites in Cambridge and Seattle, scientists focus on novel targets and pathways for tumors that are refractory to current therapies. With a deep understanding of the causal human biology, we are able to leverage our multiple modality platforms to best match the modality to the mechanism and desired outcome. 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 and Immuno-oncology 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.

Our Bristol Myers Squibb research site in Cambridge Crossing will help us continue to deliver on our mission, positioning the company and our scientists in the heart of a vibrant ecosystem of world-class science, innovation, and business opportunities.

Position Summary

The role of Associate Director, Oncology Discovery Biology within the Oncology TRC at BMS involves contributing to the preclinical drug discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics with a tumor intrinsic focus. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, passionate, and collaborative drug hunter with proven experience in preclinical drug development. Strong leadership and mentorship skills are essential. They will work closely with global cross-functional teams, including early target biology, chemistry, in vivo pharmacology, toxicology, DMPK, and translational biology, to conceptualize and advance novel ideas from discovery to the clinic. Proven ability to therapeutically exploit undruggable vulnerabilities is preferable.

Position Responsibilities

• Oversee an early-stage small molecule portfolio, leading program teams and managing team leaders.
• Demonstrate strong scientific acumen and the ability to conceptualize innovative target or modality ideas. Demonstrate resourcefulness and creative scientific thinking to identify paths to best-in-class therapeutics and evaluate novel first-in-class targets of interest, including undruggable targets, in a competitive landscape.
• Support the program team objectives including investigating therapeutic hypotheses, guiding assay development, screening strategies, drug mechanisms of action studies, lead optimization efforts and target candidate profiles.
• Create and sustain a high-performing and motivated team and culture of responsible innovation with integrity. Supervise a diverse team of lab-based associates and experienced biology leaders to support their project responsibilities and development goals.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the broader tumor intrinsic portfolio from early target ideation to advanced pre-clinical programs and IND enabling studies.
• Exhibit excellent management and oral and written communication skills. Present portfolio decisions to senior management and cross-functional teams, influencing and informing key strategic choices.
• Actively collaborate and forge strong partnerships with cross functional groups and key stakeholders including but not limited to chemistry, DMPK, toxicology, translational biology and clinical development.
• Develop and foster external partnerships or academic collaborations to advance internal programs, as appropriate.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 12+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Or

• Master’s Degree
• 10+ years of academic and / or industry experience

Or

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences
• 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience

• 4+ years of leadership experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 8+ years of relevant industry experience in preclinical drug discovery and cancer biology is required.
• In-depth knowledge of cancer cell signaling and preclinical small molecule drug development is required, including good understanding of in vivo pharmacology, lead optimization and translational biology.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a cross-functional drug discovery team and advance preclinical drug discovery from target validation to clinical candidate is required.
• Excellent managerial skills and the demonstrated ability to mentor and develop teams a high-performing team of associates and/or facilitate career progression is required.
• Strong matrix leadership skills, excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills are required.
• Demonstrated ability to attract and retain top talent, and a commitment to talent development and diversification.

Additional Information

• Reports: 4-6 Scientists and Associates (Ph.D. and non Ph.D.)
• Travel: Less than 10%
• Location: Cambridge, MA

#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.

Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as “Transforming patients’ lives through science™ ”, every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.

On-site Protocol

BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:

Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.

BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, 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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BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.

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