Associate Director, Discovery Biology – Protein Homeostasis TRC
Bristol Myers Squibb
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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.
Location: San Diego, CA – US (On-site)
Reports to: Executive Director, Protein Homeostasis TRC
The Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center (PH TRC) at Bristol Myers Squibb is a premier oncology research engine focused on delivering transformative therapeutics to patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The TRC is built on BMS's world-class expertise in targeted protein degradation (TPD) and induced proximity technologies, leveraging these paradigm-shifting modalities to attack previously undruggable oncogenic targets and overcome mechanisms of resistance to existing cancer therapies. Our work spans the full arc of discovery from target identification and biological validation to the advancement of first-in-class degraders and molecular glues into clinical development.
Position Summary
The Discovery Biology Department within the PH TRC is seeking an exceptionally talented and driven Associate Director with a strong and proven track record in drug discovery within the TPD and induced proximity space, combined with deep expertise in cancer disease biology, particularly in oncology and/or hematological malignancies. This is a pivotal scientific leadership role for a candidate who brings both a rigorous mechanistic understanding of protein degradation biology and an intimate knowledge of the molecular and cellular underpinnings of cancer.
The successful candidate will be a recognized expert in their field, capable of translating deep disease biology insights into compelling target hypotheses and advancing novel degrader programs from concept to preclinical proof-of-concept. You will lead a team of discovery biologists, partner closely with medicinal chemistry, structural biology, and translational teams, and serve as a key scientific voice in shaping the TPD pipeline strategy at BMS.
Position Responsibilities
In the role as an Associate Director within Protein Homeostasis Discovery Biology, the ideal candidate:
Leadership & Strategy:
Lead highly complex, high-impact TPD and induced proximity drug discovery programs, exercising significant scientific autonomy in defining objectives, prioritizing targets, and driving portfolio decisions.
Direct cross-functional project teams in the design, execution, and interpretation of preclinical research programs, with a clear emphasis on oncology and hematologic malignancy indications.
Develop and champion department strategy for target identification and validation, mechanism-of-action (MoA) characterization, and disease positioning, with a particular focus on leveraging induced proximity biology to address unmet medical need in cancer.
Drive go/no-go decision-making at key program milestones and ensure optimal resource allocation to advance the most promising therapeutic programs.
Serve as a key scientific thought leader within the TRC, contributing to both near-term program execution and long-term portfolio vision.
Scientific Excellence:
Apply deep knowledge of TPD modalities (including molecular glues, bifunctional degraders, and next-generation induced proximity platforms) to guide target selection and therapeutic hypothesis generation in oncology and hematology.
Leverage a thorough understanding of cancer disease biology, including oncogenic drivers, tumor microenvironment, resistance mechanisms, and patient stratification, to inform biologically differentiated program strategies.
Oversee the development and optimization of advanced cell-based and molecular assays supporting drug discovery and translational research, including novel protein degrader characterization, E3 ubiquitin ligase engagement, ternary complex biology, and 3D/organoid tumor models reflective of hematologic and solid tumor disease contexts.
Guide mechanistic studies and target validation experiments using state-of-the-art technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, inducible shRNA, lentiviral systems, proteomics, functional and biochemical assays).
Ensure data integrity, high-quality reporting, and presentation of results to internal governance boards and external scientific forums.
Collaboration & Innovation:
Foster strong partnerships with internal groups — including medicinal chemistry, structural biology, bioinformatics, translational, and clinical teams — to integrate disease biology insights into TPD compound design and optimization.
Engage proactively with external collaborators (academia, biotech, CROs) to access cutting-edge induced proximity technologies and expand biological understanding of oncology targets.
Champion the adoption of innovative tools and platforms, including proteomic profiling, phenotypic screening, and patient-derived models, to enhance the translational relevance and clinical success of degrader programs.
Team Development:
Directly manage and mentor a team of discovery biologists, providing scientific guidance, goal-setting, performance coaching, and career development support.
Foster a team culture defined by scientific rigor, intellectual curiosity, and a shared passion for developing breakthrough oncology medicines.
Promote multidisciplinary collaboration and integration of diverse scientific perspectives to accelerate program progression and departmental innovation.
Communication & Documentation:
Prepare and review scientific reports, regulatory documents, publications, and patent applications related to TPD programs and oncology target biology.
Communicate findings and strategic updates effectively to internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership and external scientific audiences.
Quality & Compliance:
Ensure all research activities comply with regulatory guidelines and uphold BMS standards for scientific rigor, reproducibility, and integrity.
Experience =
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree
12+ years of academic and / or industry experience
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. in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field, with at least 8 years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience with significant focus on drug discovery in the TPD and/or induced proximity space. Master's or Bachelor's degrees with equivalent experience will be considered, though an advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated and deep expertise in targeted protein degradation (TPD) drug discovery, including hands-on experience with PROTACs, molecular glues, bifunctional degraders, or other induced proximity modalities from early-stage target identification through to preclinical candidate nomination.
Proven track record and authoritative knowledge of oncology and/or hematological malignancy disease biology, including molecular mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression, resistance pathways, and clinically relevant patient subpopulations. Experience with AML, MDS, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or other hematologic cancers is highly desirable.
Strong understanding of E3 ubiquitin ligase biology, ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) pharmacology, and the structural/biochemical basis of ternary complex formation.
Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, advanced molecular and cellular techniques (CRISPR/Cas9, shRNA, lentiviral systems, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry), and development of disease-relevant models including patient-derived and 3D/organoid tumor systems.
Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex, milestone-driven drug discovery programs.
Skilled in scientific data analysis tools (GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, Excel, PowerPoint) with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a strong record of scientific publications, conference presentations, and/or patents in the TPD and oncology fields.
Proven ability to mentor, motivate, and develop scientific talent, with a strong commitment to quality, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration.
Why Join the Protein Homeostasis TRC at BMS?
Join one of the most innovative research centers in the industry, where TPD and induced proximity biology are not emerging interests — they are core competencies. BMS has been at the forefront of protein degradation science for years, and the Protein Homeostasis TRC is where that expertise is translated into transformative medicines for patients with cancer and other serious diseases. Here, you will have the scientific freedom to tackle high-value oncology targets with state-of-the-art tools, the resources of a world-class pharmaceutical organization, and the opportunity to lead and shape a team of exceptional scientists. We offer competitive benefits, a commitment to professional growth, and, most importantly, the chance to make a real difference in the lives of patients.
#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:
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 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.
Supporting People with Disabilities
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.
Candidate Rights
BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.
If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information: https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/
Data Protection
We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection.
Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
If you believe that the job posting is missing information required by local law or incorrect in any way, please contact BMS at TAEnablement@bms.com. Please provide the Job Title and Requisition number so we can review. Communications related to your application should not be sent to this email and you will not receive a response. Inquiries related to the status of your application should be directed to Chat with Ripley.
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