Principal Scientist, ADCs Discovery Biology, Oncology Thematic Research Center
Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Location
- Cambridge Crossing - MA - US
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Principal
- H-1B history
- 57 approvals (FY2023)
- Posted
- Aug 12, 2026
About this role
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 . The Oncology Thematic Research Center at BMS is one of the fundamental research and early development engines delivering oncology therapeutics to patients. The scientists at this state-of-the-art research and development site in Cambridge focus on novel tumor intrinsic targets and pathways for tumors that are refractory to current Immuno-Oncology and Oncology therapies and implement our discovery platforms across all of our therapeutic areas of focus. We are a fully integrated drug discovery through translational and early clinical development organization which exploits state-of-the-art in vitro, in vivo and ex-vivo models of cancer biology to identify and validate targets. We partner closely with colleagues in Translational Medicine, Informatics and Predictive Sciences and Early Clinical Development to generate biomarker and patient enrichment hypotheses to enable efficient decision making in early clinical trials. We are optimally positioned to complement the world-class translational expertise, biology and leading academic research centers in the area. We are seeking a creative and driven scientist to join our expanding ADC Discovery team and play an important role in advancing next-generation oncology therapeutics. As a Principal Scientist, you will independently lead antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) drug discovery programs from target concept to IND filing, leveraging proprietary technologies and collaborating with top experts in the field. The qualified candidate should be a highly motivated, independent, and collaborative scientist capable of leading cross-functional teams and executing rigorous biology programs across a highly matrixed organization. Our team thrives on creativity, rigorous science, and a shared commitment to transforming cancer care. In the role as a Principal Scientist within Discovery Biology, the ideal candidate will: Lead highly matrixed ADC discovery teams from target concept to IND and lead/mentor a biology team supporting in vitro experimentation Leverage current and new techniques for function-based identification and selection of antibody-drug-conjugate (ADC) lead drug candidates Apply extensive technical knowledge to address ADC mechanisms of action, including evaluating novel payload classes and linker strategies Collaborate with functional area leads (e.g., pharmacology, DMPK, bioinformatics, informatics and predictive science) to drive programs forward, including helping to define program priorities and risks Work with bioinformaticians and translational research scientists to design and execute studies supporting patient stratification and identification of appropriate target engagement PD markers Present complex scientific concepts to a range of audiences including governance committees and full team project meetings Communicate findings and progress clearly and effectively via email, written reports, and scientific presentations Mentor and develop junior scientists within the team, fostering a collaborative and scientifically rigorous environment Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s