Working with Us 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.
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. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us.
The Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center at BMS is a fundamental Oncology research engine delivering oncology and hematology therapeutics to patients. The TRC has a major focus on exploiting BMS’ expertise in protein degradation to discover and develop therapies aimed at tumor intrinsic vulnerabilities and mechanisms of resistance to existing cancer therapeutics. This focus on protein degradation allows us to attack protein classes that were previously deemed undruggable.
The Pharmacology group within the Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center (TRC) at BMS San Diego provides in vivo pharmacology support to discovery teams focused on developing small molecules and biologics for oncology and immune-oncology. As an integral part of discovery programs, the group supports lead identification through in vivo model screening and mechanism-of-action studies, develops and validates animal disease models, identifies pathway biomarkers, and establishes clinically relevant endpoints to assess efficacy. Collaboration with DMPK, Exploratory Toxicology, and Translational Development is central to our work, and we contribute preclinical data to inform clinical development plans.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a motivated Associate Scientist with broad experience in pharmacology and drug discovery for both small and large molecules. The successful candidate will work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment, taking responsibility for experiment design, planning, and execution. Key duties include interpreting and presenting in vivo data, conducting sample and endpoint analyses (ELISA, Western blot, Jess, qPCR, IHC), and preparing protocols and reports. The role requires independent work, technical expertise, and contributions to project decisions. Strong communication, self-motivation, innovation, flexibility, and teamwork are essential.
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In the role as an Associate Scientist within Pharmacology, the ideal candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Develop in vivo disease models for oncology and immune-oncology
- Independently design and execute in vivo efficacy and PK/PD experiments to identify drug candidates
- Analyze and interpret data accurately, reporting findings to supervisors and colleagues
- Troubleshoot routine issues and recommend solutions
- Evaluate endpoints from in vivo studies using Western blots, mesoscale, qPCR, etc.
- Write precise protocols and technical reports
- Present data to multidisciplinary discovery teams
- Collaborate with cross-functional team members
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 2+ years of academic and / or industry experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree and 2+ years of academic and / or industry experience with oncology models
- Experience in mammalian cell culture
- Experience in the development of syngeneic and xenograft cancer models
- Proficient in animal handling, dosing (PO, IP, IV, and SC), tumor cell inoculation, data collection and analysis
- Hands-on experience in small animal surgeries, necropsy and tissue and blood collection
- Hands-on experience in evaluating small molecules in animal models
- Experience with small animal imaging modalities (e.g., Xenogen, ultrasound etc.) is a plus.
- Skilled in Western blots, ELISA, MesoScale, IHC, flow cytometry, RNA/DNA extraction, and PCR
- Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and Studylog
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, collaboration, and organizational skills
- Detail-oriented, focused, and able to deliver high-quality data efficiently
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.
Compensation Overview:
San Diego - CA - US: $93,230 - $112,970

The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee’s work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit https://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:
- Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
- Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
- Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
Work-life benefits include:
Paid Time Off
- US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees)
- Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays
Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.
All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.
*Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.
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 a
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