Director Protein Production and Quality Attributes

$194,000 - $268,400/Yr

Bristol-Myers Squibb - San Diego, CA

Full-time - Senior

San Diego, CA

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

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 rich in diversity. Take your career farther than you thought possible. When you join BMS, you are joining a diverse, high-achieving team united by a common mission. The Discovery Biotherapeutics team at BMS seeks to understand the structure and function of complex molecules such as bispecific antibodies, antibody drug conjugates and endogenous proteins in order to optimize their utility as therapeutic agents. We collaborate with biology and translational scientists imbedded in the Thematic Research Centers in order to prosecute Targets and Biological pathways with disease modifying potential. By using a blend of internal and external technologies and capabilities, we work to discover and deliver first-in-class as well as best-in-class molecules that warrant clinical evaluation for patient benefit. As part of the Discovery Biotherapeutics team at BMS, the Director of Protein Production and Quality Attributes will play a key role in supporting the delivery of a first-in-class and best-in-class biotherapeutics pipeline. The incumbent will be responsible for leading a team of about 25 scientists across two BMS sites located in San Diego (CA) and Cambridge (MA). The primary responsibilities include managing a cross-site and cross-functional team focused on the production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies, multi-specifics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and other protein therapeutics using state-of-the-art technology and an industry-competitive DNA-to-protein production process. The Director role will be crucial in innovating and advancing Discovery Biotherapeutics function capabilities, supporting drug development initiatives, and ensuring the success of BMS's research activities. You will work in close collaboration with scientific leaders across the global Research organization and beyond (e.g., Biologics Drug Product/CMC teams) to deliver on our biologics pipeline. You must have a thorough understanding of biologics modalities production end-to-end (i.e., from cloning to purification and quality analyses) in high-throughput, mid, and large-scale settings, with documented experience of the requirements and processes needed to advance biologics programs (including novel formats) through discovery and into development. A proven track record of establishing and/or using cutting-edge protein cloning, production, and purification technologies to progress an innovative biologics pipeline is key.

Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing team (consisting of PhD and non-PhD scientists) dedicated to excellence in biologics cloning, production, purification with a focus on strategic goal setting and talent management.
• Utilize deep scientific knowledge of protein production, concepts, and methodologies to deliver on biotherapeutics pipeline in alignment with Discovery Biotherapeutics, including being point person for interactions with CMC colleagues.
• Manage high-throughput, medium, and large-scale production of biologics end-to-end (i.e., from cloning to production, purification, and formulation).
• Advance cloning and purification platforms to produce and characterize monoclonal and bispecific antibodies, fusion proteins, and ADCs.
• Apply protein structural and biophysical principles to optimize the production and manufacturability of therapeutic candidates.
• Identify and implement new technologies, applications, and external collaborations to support research goals including participating in licensing and technology evaluation of platforms as relate to the job function.
• Interface with technology providers to keep on par with industry leading protein cloning, production, purification, and manufacturability.
• Foster a continuous improvement mentality to drive platform development in terms of speed, quality, and robustness, ensuring global biologics remain aligned with industrial standards.
• Integrate analytical characterization data to optimize biologics production.
• Ensure clear communication among team members and across teams to foster a culture of proactive collaboration and engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree with 15+ years of academic / industry experience or Master's Degree with 12+ years of academic / industry experience or PhD with 8+ years of academic / industry experience with 6+ years leadership experience.
• A Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field is preferred.
• 10+ years of increasing responsibilities and experience in protein cloning, production, purification, and quality analyses, preferably in an industry setting.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with the ability to effectively lead and manage teams.
• Strong strategic vision and experience in developing and executing strategic plans that align with organizational goals.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify challenges and propose innovative solutions.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively interact with cross-functional teams and stakeholders at all levels.
• Hands-on experience with CHO and other mammalian cells for mAb or recombinant protein production is a must.
• Experience in tech transfer, including drafting reports, protocols, and knowledge for process transfer.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully and efficiently coordinate multiple work streams and projects simultaneously.
• Track record of scientific publications and presentations at meetings, or authorship of patents and regulatory documents.

Benefits

• Medical, pharmacy, dental and vision care.
• Wellbeing support such as the BMS Living Life Better program and employee assistance programs (EAP).
• Financial well-being resources and a 401(K).
• Financial protection benefits such as short- and long-term disability, life insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection and survivor support.
• Work-life programs include paid national holidays and optional holidays, Global Shutdown days between Christmas and New Year's holiday, up to 120 hours of paid vacation, up to two (2) paid days to volunteer, sick time off, and summer hours flexibility.
• Parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military leave.
• Family care services such as adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, fertility/infertility benefits, support for traveling mothers, and child, elder and pet care resources.
• Other perks like tuition reimbursement and a recognition program.