Principal Scientist, Cancer Immunology Clinical Translational Research

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Immunologist with direct clinical translational experience to join the Translational Research team within the Oncology Thematic Research Center at Bristol Myers Squibb in Cambridge, MA. The qualified candidate is a highly motivated, engaged, and creative scientist who can thrive in a highly matrixed organization and advance programs from candidate optimization through IND enabling activities and ultimately to Proof‑of‑Concept clinical trials.

This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving translational strategies for oncology assets, enabling the development of transformative cancer therapies for patients.

• Serve as a key scientific stakeholder in early clinical trial programs.
• Design and develop biomarker, pharmacodynamic, and target engagement assays to understand drug mechanism of action and response.
• Interact with project teams and contract laboratories for the design, execution, and oversight of molecular, cellular, and/or in vivo studies.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and external partners (CROs, specialty labs) to generate high‑quality biomarker data for clinical studies.
• Contribute to translational plans, sample collection strategies, and documentation for early‑phase trials.
• Present experimental results and share scientific insights with project teams and stakeholders.
• Proactively provide insight into novel ways to incorporate biomarkers into clinical designs to enable early understanding of emerging drug profiles, and input around tumor types and potential impact of biomarkers on internal decision making.
• Provide oversight to progress validated biomarkers into development of diagnostic assays as needed.
• Participate in strategic review and input to presentations, publications and internal/external communications along with accountable program leadership and in governance forums.
• Develop solutions and courses of action for senior staff, including identification of risks and risk mitigations.
• Share expertise, experience, lessons learned and knowledge with translational and other relevant scientific experts and colleagues across the organization.

• Bachelor’s Degree with 8+ years of academic and/or industry experience.
• Master’s Degree with 6+ years of academic and/or industry experience.
• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in the Life Sciences with 4+ years of academic and/or industry experience.

• Ph.D. and 6+ years of industry experience in drug development, ideally with at least 3 years in clinical translational research or translational medicine.
• Strong immunology experience, with an emphasis on solid tumor biology.
• Experience in oncology translational biomarker roles, with solid tumor and immune‑oncology expertise.
• Strong scientific acumen and mechanistic understanding of disease biology, with demonstrated contributions to oncology and immuno‑oncology drug development.
• Hands‑on experience designing, executing, and analyzing translational biomarker assays and data across multiple technologies (genomics, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, immunoassays) and sample types in clinical studies.
• Familiarity with the drug development process and experience collaborating with clinical teams; able to communicate results and contribute to discussions in cross‑functional settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners (CROs, specialty labs).
• Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills, with a proactive and collaborative mindset.
• Eagerness to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibility in a fast‑paced environment.

Cambridge Crossing: $159,290 - $193,022 (starting range for a full‑time employee). Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities may be available based on eligibility.

• Health Coverage:
  Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
• Well‑being 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…