Associate Scientist

About the Role

This Associate Scientist position sits within Bristol Myers Squibb’s Translational Pathology team in the Protein Homeostasis Thematic Research Center. The group supports oncology drug discovery and translational pathology work across multiple research units and sites, with a strong emphasis on tissue-based target validation, animal model studies, and biomarker research from discovery through proof-of-concept. Working under an MD pathologist, the team contributes scientific pathology insight, diagnostic guidance, and histopathology support that helps advance therapies for cancer and blood disorders.

Bristol Myers Squibb describes its work environment as challenging, meaningful, and designed for growth. The organization emphasizes flexibility, employee support, and a broad benefits package intended to help people succeed both professionally and personally.

What You Will Do

• Prepare tissue samples, including trimming xenograft and PDX material, processing, embedding, and cutting slides for H&E and special stains, while resolving tissue or slide-related issues.
• Develop and perform IHC and ISH assays using a Leica autostainer, then scan, organize, and manage the resulting images.
• Work closely with the MD pathologist to refine and optimize assay performance.
• Review, analyze, and interpret experimental results.
• Prepare data and updates for both internal and external audiences.
• Support the transfer of IHC assays to CRO partners.
• Maintain the tissue bank, assign tissue IDs, log samples, and communicate with vendors as needed.
• Assist with purchasing tasks and inventory control for laboratory supplies.
• Report instrument problems and contribute to basic equipment upkeep.
• Record work accurately in an electronic lab notebook and help draft SOPs.

What We Are Looking For

The role calls for a bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of academic and/or industry experience. Strong hands-on histopathology experience is preferred, especially with tissue trimming, processing, embedding, slide cutting for H&E and special stains, and troubleshooting tissue or slide issues. Experience developing IHC or ISH assays for new targets is also valued.

Successful candidates should bring clear written and verbal communication skills, work effectively in a team environment, and demonstrate strong interpersonal ability. Comfort with word processing, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint is also important.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary range for this San Diego, CA role is $93,250 to $112,991 per year on a full-time basis. Additional cash and stock incentive opportunities may be available depending on eligibility. Final pay will be based on relevant skills, work location, schedule, job knowledge, and experience.

Benefit eligibility can vary by role and location. Available benefits may include medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision coverage; wellbeing programs; and financial protection programs such as a 401(k), disability coverage, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft support, legal support, and survivor support.

Time-off offerings may include flexible time off for exempt U.S. employees, paid national holidays, vacation allowances in select locations, paid sick time where eligible, volunteer days, summer hours flexibility, leave programs for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs, and an annual global shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Eligibility for summer hours depends on role type, location, and work arrangement.

Work Arrangement

This role is listed as remote, with BMS noting that some remote-by-design or lab-based positions may still require travel or certain on-site activities depending on role needs. The company’s occupancy model includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based, and remote-by-design roles, and the assigned arrangement depends on the responsibilities of the position.

Additional Information

BMS encourages candidates to apply even if their background is not a perfect match for every requirement. The company also states that it supports workplace accommodations for people with disabilities and provides a process for requesting reasonable adjustments during recruitment. Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records may be considered in line with applicable local law.

The employer also notes that it does not request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during recruitment. Any applicant data will be handled according to applicable privacy rules and policies. If a posting is missing legally required information or contains an error, BMS asks candidates to contact the talent acquisition team with the job title and requisition number.

For candidates living in or expecting to work from Los Angeles County, additional local information may apply. All benefit offerings remain subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

Company Values

Bristol Myers Squibb says its culture is built around passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion, and integrity, with a mission centered on transforming patients’ lives through science.