Associate Director, Discovery Biology - Protein Homeostasis TRC

Role Summary

The Discovery Biology Department in Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center (PH TRC) at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is seeking a strategic and collaborative Associate Director to lead discovery biology initiatives focused on delivering transformative therapeutics and advancing research across hematologic malignancies, immunology, neurodegeneration, virology, genetic diseases and solid tumors. As a scientific leader in the Discovery Biology Department, you will drive the identification, validation, and advancement of novel drug targets by leveraging multidisciplinary expertise in disease biology, molecular pharmacology, and translational models. The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping research strategies, mentoring teams, and fostering innovation to accelerate pipeline progression.

Responsibilities

• Leads highly complex, strategic programs and exercises significant autonomy in determining objectives and deliverables.
• Directs cross-functional project teams in the design, execution, and interpretation of preclinical research programs focused on protein homeostasis pathways.
• Develops and implements department strategy for target validation, mechanism-of-action, and disease positioning across multiple oncology and non-oncology indications.
• Shapes portfolio strategy by driving go/no-go decision-making, achievement of key milestone, and optimal resource allocation to advance therapeutic programs.
• Oversee development and optimization of advanced cell-based and molecular assays supporting drug discovery and translational research, including novel protein degraders, E3 ubiquitin ligase targeting, and 3D/organoid tumor models.
• Guide mechanistic studies and target validation experiments using state-of-the-art technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, inducible shRNA, lentiviral systems, functional and biochemical assays).
• Ensure data integrity, high-quality reporting, and presentation of results to internal governance boards and external scientific forums.
• Foster partnerships with internal groups (medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics, translational and clinical teams) and external collaborators (academia, biotech, CROs) to expand capabilities and accelerate discovery efforts.
• Champion adoption and deployment of innovative technologies and platforms to enhance pipeline success.
• Directly manages a team of scientists, overseeing goal-setting, performance management, coaching, and providing input into hiring, promotions, and compensation decisions.
• Actively mentors and develops junior scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, inclusion, and continuous learning.
• Leads team development initiatives, promotes multidisciplinary collaboration, and ensures the integration of diverse scientific perspectives to drive innovation and advance departmental goals.
• Prepare and review scientific reports, regulatory documents, publications, and patent applications.
• Communicate findings and strategic updates effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all research activities comply with regulatory guidelines and uphold BMS standards for scientific rigor and integrity.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree ‚Äî 12+ years of academic and / or industry experience
  • Master's Degree ‚Äî 10+ years of academic and / or industry experience
  • Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences ‚Äî 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience; 4+ years of leadership experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Neuroscience, or a related field with at least 8 years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience; Master's degree with 10+ years or Bachelor's degree with 12+ years will also be considered. Minimum 4 years of direct team leadership and management experience required. Advanced degree and proven leadership preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in scientific leadership for drug discovery, target validation, and translational research, particularly in protein homeostasis, oncology, hematology or related areas.
• Proficient in mammalian cell culture, advanced molecular and cellular techniques (CRISPR/Cas9, shRNA, lentiviral systems, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, functional and 3D/organoid assays), and disease-relevant model development.
• Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex projects in dynamic environments.
• Hands-on experience with development of protein degraders, high-content biology platforms, and disease models.
• 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 record of scientific publications and regulatory submissions.
• Proven ability to mentor, motivate, and develop staff, with a strong commitment to quality, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration.