Associate Scientist, Synthesis Process Development

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: careers.bms.com/working-with-us.

Bristol Myers Squibb is on a mission to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. Guided by a commitment to rigorous science, integrity, and transformative innovation, BMS is a global biopharma leader dedicated to improving the lives of patients worldwide.

In October 2025, BMS significantly expanded its RNA medicines capabilities through the acquisition of Orbital Therapeutics, bringing with it a powerful and differentiated RNA platform that combines circular and linear RNA engineering, advanced delivery technologies, and AI-driven design. This platform is accelerating BMS's efforts to pioneer a new generation of programmable RNA therapies across immunomodulation for autoimmune disease and oncology, next-generation vaccines, and protein therapeutics.

As we continue to grow and integrate this exciting RNA platform, we are building out a world-class RNA Process Development team based in Cambridge, MA. If you are passionate about cutting-edge RNA science and want to contribute to medicines that have the potential to transform patient lives in ways not previously possible, we invite you to join us.

Position Summary

Bristol Myers Squibb is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Scientist to join our RNA Synthesis Process Development team in Cambridge, MA. The RNA PD team works to develop, characterize, and implement robust preclinical and clinical manufacturing processes to support Bristol Myers Squibb's exciting pipeline of products. This role is specifically focused on RNA synthesis process development, with responsibilities spanning early process development through clinical manufacturing support.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist to grow within a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will support planning and execution of laboratory studies and contribute to protocols, technical reports, and regulatory documentation under the guidance of senior team members.

Job Responsibilities

• Execute hands-on laboratory experiments focused on RNA synthesis process development and scale-up from bench to pilot scale
• Design and perform experiments for optimization and characterization of in vitro transcription reactions using structured approaches (i.e. QbD principles, DoE)
• Support routine downstream purification unit operations (e.g. chromatography, UF/DF) and contribute to process optimization efforts that bridge synthesis and purification workflows
• Contribute to the authoring and review of technical protocols, experimental reports, and batch records in support of early- to late-stage development activities
• Perform routine analytical testing to assess RNA purity, concentration and key quality attributes
• Analyze and interpret experimental results, present findings to senior scientists and project teams
• Collaborate with internal R&D, analytical development, and manufacturing to advance BMS's RNA pipeline
• Support interactions with manufacturing partners, including review of technical documents and participation in technology transfer activities as needed
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory notebooks and documentation in compliance with internal quality standards

Qualifications

• BS with 1 + years of industry experience, or MS  with relevant experience, in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Hands-on experience with RNA synthesis techniques, specifically in vitro transcription
• Familiarity with analytical tools used to assess RNA quality, including gel electrophoresis, HPLC, or capillary electrophoresis
• Basic understanding of RNA purification unit operations
• Strong laboratory fundamentals and attention to detail; comfortable working with bench-top equipment including bioreactors, FPLCs, and UF/DF skids
• Ability to organize and analyze experimental data, identify trends, and clearly communicate results to team members
• Exposure to GMP principles or cGMP environments is a plus but not required
• Experience with design of experiments (DoE) or statistical analysis software is 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.

Cambridge - MA - US: $96,010 - $116,339


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.

R1603729 : Associate Scientist, Synthesis Process Development