Associate Scientist – Immunology & Translational Biology (In Vivo CAR-T) Full-time NEW

Associate Scientist – Immunology & Translational Biology (In Vivo CAR-T)

The Associate Scientist will support the discovery and development of in vivo CAR-T cell therapies for autoimmune indications and other malignancies within the Immunology Research organization. This individual will execute a broad range of in vivo and ex vivo experimental workflows, maintain rigorous digital and physical records, and contribute scientific judgment to the continuous improvement of assays and protocols. The successful candidate will be a technically skilled, highly organized, and intellectually curious scientist who can operate independently while collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams – balancing rigorous protocol adherence with sound scientific judgment and proactive cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• In Vivo & Ex Vivo Studies: Execute mouse studies supporting in vivo CAR-T programs, including organ harvest, tissue dissociation, and downstream processing of mouse organs, cell line maintenance, human PBMCs, and NHP samples.
• Flow Cytometry: Design, optimize, and execute multiparameter (10+ color) flow cytometry panels for immunophenotyping and functional readouts; perform data analysis using FlowJo and present findings to project teams.
• LNP Transfection: Perform lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-mediated transfection experiments to support in vivo delivery platform development; evaluate potency of formulated tLNPs using cell-based assays.
• T & PBMC Cell Culture: Maintain and activate primary human T and PBMC cell cultures; design co-culture systems and functional assays to assess lymphocyte biology and targeted killing efficacy against specific targets.
• Functional Assays: Execute flow cytometry-based and Incucyte live-cell imaging functional assays to assess cell health, proliferation, cytotoxicity, and engagement.
• Digital Record-Keeping & Benchling: Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready experimental records in Benchling, including ELNs, protocols, results, and reagent inventory.
• Protocol Adherence & Scientific Judgment: Follow established SOPs with strict attention to detail while proactively identifying discrepancies, deviations, or opportunities for optimization and escalating or resolving them appropriately.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interface with partner teams (e.g., CMC) to coordinate experiments, share data, and provide technical support including hands-on training for flow cytometry or assay execution.
• Logistics & Planning: Manage scheduling of complex multi-step experiments, reagent ordering, biosample coordination, and equipment bookings to ensure uninterrupted research operations.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a closely related life science discipline
• 2+ years of relevant academic/industry laboratory experience (including co-ops/internships)
• Hands-on experience with multiparameter flow cytometry (panel design, execution, and analysis via FlowJo)
• Experience with ex vivo tissue processing from mouse organs, human PBMCs, and/or NHP samples
• Experience with LNP and electroporation-based transfection methods
• Experience with primary T and PBMC cell culture, activation, and viability assessment
• Experience with functional assays (flow-based or live-cell imaging platforms such as Incucyte)
• Proficiency in Benchling (ELN, protocols, inventory management)
• Demonstrated ability to maintain meticulous records and follow complex multi-step protocols
• Proven organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent experiments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in autoimmune and oncology disease models or CAR-T cell biology
• Familiarity with IND-enabling study workflows or GLP-adjacent environments
• Experience with ELISA, IHC staining, and/or widefield/confocal microscopy
• Exposure to cross-functional or multi-site collaboration (e.g., CRO liaison, partner team coordination)
• Proficiency in GraphPad Prism and/or JMP for data visualization and analysis

Competencies

• Scientific Rigor: Executes experiments with precision; generates reproducible, high-quality data
• Critical Thinking: Recognizes when results or conditions warrant deviation from protocol; exercises sound scientific judgment
• Attention to Detail: Maintains complete and accurate records; catches and addresses discrepancies proactively
• Organization & Planning: Manages complex experimental schedules, reagent logistics, and competing priorities
• Collaboration: Works effectively across teams; communicates clearly and proactively with stakeholders
• Initiative: Seeks opportunities to improve workflows and contribute beyond assigned tasks

Compensation Overview:

Cambridge – MA – US: $97,490 – $118,131

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: T he 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