Discovery Biosciences, Oncology Co-Op

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.

Position Summary

The co-op/intern will test whether dual loss of RALA and RALB sensitizes pancreatic cancer (PDAC) cells to pan-KRAS inhibitors. They will use CRISPR and shRNA knockout and knockdown, dose-response combination assays (Incucyte, clonogenic), and PDAC organoid studies, gaining hands-on wet-lab experience in target validation and mechanism of action. The results will show whether co-targeting RALA:RALB can deepen and extend responses to KRAS inhibitors, which would address a key limitation of KRAS monotherapy in a cancer with one of the lowest survival rates.

Key Responsibilities

- Conduct full time laboratory-based research supporting target identification, oncology drug discovery and development.

- Execute a variety of molecular biology, cellular biology, and biochemical assays, including:

- Maintenance and manipulation of 2D and 3D cell cultures, including organoids.

- Lentiviral and nucleofection based gene transfer and genome editing.

- Target gene perturbation using CRISPR/Cas, shRNA and siRNA.

- Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays using IncuCyte, CellTiter-Glo, and CyQUANT.

- RT-QPCR and western blot, RNA-seq.

- co-immunoprecipitation (coIP), and other protein interaction studies.

- Mine published research works to support experimental efforts.

- Analyze and interpret experimental data, maintain accurate and detailed lab records, and present findings in team meetings.

Qualifications & Experience

- Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Molecular/Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, or related field. (PhD preferred)

- Knowledge and technical proficiency in Molecular/Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or a related field with a minimum of 1-2 years of wet-lab experience.

- Preferred: Relevant research experience in an industry or academic setting; emphasis on oncology research and cancer biology is highly preferred.

- Preferred: Broad hands-on experience in cell and molecular biology methods/techniques

- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and for the duration of their employment. Please note that visa sponsorship, including for student or temporary work authorization programs, is not available for this role. Candidates must have work authorization that does not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Core Skills

- Foundational knowledge of molecular and cell biology

- Hands-on wet-lab experience (e.g., cell culture, PCR, western blot)

- Familiarity with gene perturbation approaches such as CRISPR or RNAi (preferred)

- Experimental design and troubleshooting

- Data analysis and interpretation, including Excel or GraphPad Prism

- Interest in cancer biology and drug discovery

- Careful, accurate lab record keeping

- Clear written and verbal communication

- Ability to work independently and in a team

- Curiosity and eagerness to learn

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:
$24.00 - $45.00

Pay for this internship/co‑op position is provided in accordance with local market practices and applicable laws. Pay may be offered as an hourly rate and/or monthly stipend, or other locally compliant structure. Pay is determined based on objective factors such as academic level, relevant experience, skills, and work location.

Interns and co‑op participants may be eligible for limited benefits depending on program structure, work location, and local requirements. Eligibility and offerings are governed by applicable policies and employment regulations.

This is a temporary, time‑bound position intended for the duration of the internship or co‑op program and does not guarantee continued or permanent employment following program completion.

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 https://careers.bms.com/ways-of-working.

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  [email protected] . Visit  careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility  to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

Candidate Rights

BMS will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.

For roles based in Los Angeles County only:  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/

For roles based in Washington State only: If you live in or expect to work from Washington State if hired for this position, please visit this page for important information about the Washington Fair Chance Act.

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 this posting is missing required information required by local law or incorrect, contact BMS at  [email protected] with the Job Title and Requisition number. Do not send application-related inquiries to this email. To check your application status, please login to your Candidate Home Account.

R1608059 : Discovery Biosciences, Oncology Co-Op