Scientific Associate Director

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

Experienced medicinal chemist who is seeking to lead and contribute to the drug discovery portfolio in the Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center in our San Diego Discovery Chemistry group. We are seeking a talented and highly motivated individual with a strong background in medicinal chemistry to join our Global Discovery Chemistry, Therapeutic Discovery Sciences team in San Diego. The successful candidate will contribute and lead a team of scientists that engage in rational design of new agents for the potential treatment of diverse oncology indications.

The individual will apply modern drug design principles to solve medicinal chemistry problems relevant to the Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center project portfolio in collaboration with a broad group of scientists.

• Lead end-to-end medicinal chemistry programs from discovery through IND, driving strategy, execution, and delivery of high-impact oncology assets
• Design and advance novel compounds using state-of-the-art drug design approaches, integrating structural biology, ADME, and computational insights
• Partner across multidisciplinary teams to accelerate decision‑making, shape portfolio strategy, and deliver transformative therapeutics
• Build, mentor, and lead high‑performing scientific teams, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and scientific excellence within and outside direct reporting lines
• Clearly articulate program strategy, data, opportunities, and risks to senior leadership and key stakeholders
• As a member of the San Diego Chemistry Leadership team, drive the scientific, strategic, and operational direction of the San Diego medicinal chemistry organization, including portfolio prioritization, resource allocation, talent development, and representation in senior leadership decision‑making

• Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry with 8+ years pharmaceutical medicinal chemistry industrial experience
• M.S. in synthetic organic chemistry with 10+ years pharmaceutical medicinal chemistry industrial experience
• B.S. in synthetic organic chemistry with 12+ years pharmaceutical medicinal chemistry industrial experience
• 4+ years of program leadership experience in all drug discovery phases from program initiation to development candidate identification
• Excellent communication skills, including the presentation of strategy, key data, issues and accomplishments to other members of the organization.
• Experience in the field of protein degradation or induced proximity a plus

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.

San Diego - CA - US $201,590 - $244,275

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…