Associate Scientist, Senior Specialist

At Bristol Myers Squibb, our employees often ask, “Who are you working for?”—a question that fuels collaboration, accountability, and urgency in our work. Our purpose-driven culture inspires us to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to prevail over serious diseases. We offer uniquely interesting and meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment that values inclusion, wellbeing, flexibility, and comprehensive benefits. This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it.
At Bristol Myers Squibb we are reimagining the future of cell therapy. With our bold ambition, backed by a best-in-the-industry team and long-term commitment, we are leading the way to unlock the full promise of cell therapy as we strive to put more patients on the path to a cure. If you are ready to challenge yourself, accelerate your career, and give new hope to patients, there’s no better place than here at BMS with our Cell Therapy team.
The Associate Scientist, Senior Specialist, is responsible for performing forensic investigations involving the physical and chemical characterization and identification of materials related to cell therapy products. This work includes the characterization of unknown components or foreign matter and the specialized analysis of reagents, starting materials, single-use consumables, process intermediates, and drug products. The incumbent will apply analytical techniques, including microscopy and spectroscopy methods such as FT-IR and SEM/EDX. This position is critical to enabling the reliable, compliant, and cost-effective delivery of high-quality cell therapy products.
Shift Available:
Monday - Friday, Onsite Day Shift, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Responsibilities:
Perform forensic investigations involving physical and chemical characterization and identification of materials related to cell therapy products. This includes characterization of unknown components or foreign matter, and the specialized analysis of reagents, starting materials, single-use consumables, process intermediates, and drug products.
Investigate defective materials including but not limited to filters, single-use bioprocess containers, tubing, and polymeric fittings.
Develop and implement novel and innovative technologies for cell therapy product identification and structure characterization.
Apply analytical techniques, including microscopy and spectroscopy methods such as UV/Vis, FT-IR, Raman, SEM/EDX, particle sizing and counting, and wet chemistry.
Apply spectroscopic techniques to identify and characterize cell therapy-based drug products and intermediates.
Write technical reports to document all analytical improvement or investigation projects.
Perform laboratory work to support defective material and foreign matter assessments by applying knowledge of analytical chemistry and experience with analytical technologies such as microscopy, spectroscopy, FT-IR, confocal Raman, and SEM/EDX.
Perform analytical troubleshooting to resolve manufacturing-related problems using spectroscopic techniques, including FT-IR, Raman, and mass spectrometry, for protein identification and characterization.
Lead laboratory maintenance and upkeep activities.
Write Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other documents needed for the laboratories.
Maintain laboratory readiness, including equipment oversight, sample handling, instrument operation, laboratory upkeep, general maintenance, documentation practices, and compliance with internal and industry GMP standards.
Provide timely technical support and analytical troubleshooting to resolve manufacturing-related issues and enable science-based decision making.
Knowledge & Skills:
Understanding of cGMP requirements and global biopharmaceutical or cell therapy regulations.
Hands-on experience with single-use technologies, closed systems, and cold chain or cryogenic technologies used in cell therapy manufacturing.
Expertise in forensic analysis and material characterization techniques used to evaluate material defects, foreign matter, and process-related observations.
Experience with analytical and characterization tools, including FT-IR, Raman, SEM/EDX, UV/Vis, high-resolution microscopy, particle sizing/counting, and wet chemistry techniques.
Experience applying spectroscopic techniques, such as FT-IR, Raman, mass spectrometry, and related methods, to identify and characterize proteins, cell therapy products, intermediates, and associated materials.
Strong scientific judgment, analytical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate complex technical information.
Minimum Requirements:
M.S. with 0 to 3+ years of particle characterization experience within a cGMP environment.
B.S. with 3 to 5+ years of particle characterization experience within a cGMP environment.
Working Conditions:
This role is primarily site-based and requires regular presence in laboratory, manufacturing support, and office environments.
Work may involve exposure to standard laboratory and manufacturing-area conditions, including controlled environments, chemical or biological materials, specialized analytical equipment, and routine safety requirements.
The employee must follow all applicable safety procedures, gowning requirements, and training expectations, including the use of required personal protective equipment when working in laboratory or manufacturing areas.
Work with FT-IR, Raman, UV/Vis, microscopy, and related spectroscopy equipment may require adherence to instrument-specific safety practices, including precautions for enclosed light or laser sources, heated components, compressed gases or purge systems, electrical connections, and manufacturer-defined operating requirements.
The role may involve handling analytical samples, solvents, reagents, or materials that require appropriate labeling, ventilation, contamination control, waste disposal, and use of gloves, eye protection, lab coats, or other PPE based on the activity and site procedures.
The role may require standing, walking, sitting, computer use, occasional lifting or movement of materials, and entry into laboratory or manufacturing areas as needed to support business priorities.
Flexibility may be required to support business needs, including extended hours, off-shift support, weekends, holidays, or occasional travel.
BMSCART, #LI-Onsite
We hire for skills and capabilities, not just credentials – if this role excites you, but doesn’t perfectly match your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway.
Compensation Overview:
Summit West - NJ - US: $88,026 - $106,667

The starting pay range(s) listed above is for full-time employees (FTE). You may also be eligible for additional discretionary incentive cash and stock opportunities. We determine starting pay thoughtfully – carefully considering the nature of the role, required skills, work location, schedule and the knowledge and experience you bring. Final compensation is guided by pay equity principles and applicable employment laws. Compensation programs are reviewed on an ongoing basis and may be adjusted over time to reflect evolving market factors, and individual, team or Company performance.
Benefits:
Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, you may be eligible to participate in our comprehensive benefit plans – including wellbeing support, retirement and financial protection benefits, and insurance offerings (medical, dental, vision, life and disability).
U.S.-based exempt employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off (FTO), which provides paid time off without a set accrual limit, subject to manager approval, along with 11 paid company holidays each year.
Non-exempt employees, RayzeBio employees, and employees located in Puerto Rico receive 160 hours of paid vacation annually for new hires (subject to manager approval), 11 paid company holidays, and 3 optional holidays.
Depending on eligibility, employees may also have access to additional time-off benefits, including paid sick leave, up to two paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, and leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, or military needs. Eligible employees also enjoy an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
U.S.-based job seekers can explore full benefit offerings at https://careers.bms.com/benefits
How We Work
Where you work matters – because collaboration, innovation and patient impact happen in many settings. Our roles are structured across four work models: site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design. The model assigned to this role is based on its core responsibilities. Learn more at