Assay Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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.
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.
Position Summary
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is a global biopharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of human diseases. The Director, Clinical Genomics & Molecular Assay Development (MAD) will provide strategic and scientific leadership for clinical genomics, transcriptomics, and molecular biomarker assay activities supporting Translational Medicine and clinical development programs across BMS's pipeline.
As a functional leader within Clinical Genomics & MAD, this role partners closely with Biomarker Leads, Data Analysis, Biostatistics, Sample Management, Clinical Operations, Translational Medicine, Quality, and external laboratories/CROs to define assay strategy, enable fit-for-purpose validation, and deliver high-quality genomic data to support critical program decisions. The position reports to the Senior Director, Head of Clinical Genomics & MAD, and manages lab scientist direct reports, interfaces with matrix teams and supervises outsourced work with external partners globally.
Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and accountability for clinical genomics, transcriptomics, and molecular assay strategies across translational medicine and clinical development programs.
• Lead genomics biomarker strategy with program biomarker leads, data analysis, and clinical operations teams, aligning assay plans with protocol needs, program biology, and mechanism of action.
• Oversee assay and platform selection for broad genomic profiling, gene expression profiling, pharmacodynamic, target engagement, predictive, prognostic, genotyping, ctDNA, and variant analysis applications.
• Direct assay design, development, optimization, qualification, validation, and lifecycle management for NGS-, PCR-, qPCR-, and related molecular platforms, ensuring methods are fit-for-purpose and operationally robust.
• Manage a team of direct reports, supervising clinical genomic projects ensuring quality outputs and on-time delivery of data to study times meeting timelines.
• Maintain a strong laboratory presence by dedicating substantial time to hands-on experimental work and direct support of core lab operations.
• Drive innovation through the evaluation, onboarding, and implementation of emerging genomics technologies and assay methodologies to improve performance, scalability, and efficiency.
• Provide strategic oversight and hands-on leadership for internal and outsourced assay execution, including:
• Vendor selection and scientific oversight of assay development and clinical sample testing
• Authoring and review of experimental plans, validation reports, work instructions, technology transfer documents, study summaries, and SOPs
• Troubleshooting assay/platform performance and establishing appropriate controls and QC methodologies
• Partner cross-functionally with data analysis, biostatistics, sample management, and trial operations teams to define data structure, QC review, interpretation, and delivery of clinical genomics results.
• Serve as the genomics subject matter expert for functional stakeholders, portfolio teams, and study teams, providing strategic input on technology, data quality, outsourcing, and execution risk.
• Lead, mentor, and develop scientific talent while building lean, efficient genomics processes and best practices across matrix teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree with 15+ years of academic and / or industry experience, Master's Degree with12+ years of academic and / or industry experience or Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related life science 8+ years of academic and / or industry experience
• 6+ years of leadership experience
• Demonstrated success leading clinical genomics or transcriptomics strategy for translational medicine and/or clinical-stage programs.
• Deep expertise in NGS, qPCR/PCR, gene expression profiling, genotyping, ctDNA, and variant analysis assay development, troubleshooting, and QC review.
• Preferred, but not required: strong knowledge of fit-for-purpose assay validation principles and genomics assay requirements within regulated laboratory environments, including FDA, CAP, CLIA, ACMG, NYSDOH, and other applicable global regulatory standards.
• Proven ability to lead scientific teams and manage external vendors/CROs supporting assay development, validation, and clinical sample analysis in regulated environments.
• Expertise in data structures, assay QC, and interpretation of genomics datasets in partnership with data analysis and biostatistics teams.
• Excellent communication skills with experience authoring validation plans, reports, study summaries, technology transfer documents, and SOPs.
• Track record of scientific leadership, collaboration, and influence across complex, matrixed organizations; familiarity with IVD quality systems and contracting considerations is a plus.

#LI-Hybrid
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:
Princeton - NJ - US: $217,960 - $264,113
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.
R1601981 : Director, Clinical Genomics & Molecular Assay Development