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POSITION SUMMARY

GOAl: Studying mechanistic biology of a novel synthetic lethal target to DDR pathways in solid tumors. 

Genomic instability is hallmark of cancer and is associated with a greater propensity to accumulate DNA damage within the tumor. Loss of one or more DDR pathway(s) in response to oncogenic stress can leave cancer cells overly reliant on remaining sub-optimal repair pathways and can lead to cancer-specific cell death when inhibited through the process of synthetic lethality. Recent successes in the clinic, such as PARP inhibitors in BRCA mutant cancers, show successful proof of concept of this approach clinically. The Early Target Biology (ETB) group at Bristol-Myers Squibb leverages genome-wide CRISPR screens to identify novel synthetic lethal interactions to gain mechanistic insights in the interplay of targets involved in these DDR pathways. The successful co-op will join ETB group to study biology of a novel DDR synthetic lethal target involved in cell cycle regulation and response to DNA damage. The candidate will use a variety of techniques such as CRISPR-mediated genome editing, viability, signaling, cell cycle and protein-protein interactions to investigate the biology of the target. In addition, the candidate will aid in the development of novel cellular assays to support small molecule development. The candidate will gain exposure to tumor biology, assay development, and small molecule drug discovery. Moreover, the candidate will be exposed to target identification and validation approaches in ETB. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

To achieve the above goal, this project will involve the following assignments:

WORK WITH MANAGER TO UNDERSTAND HOW DRUG DISCOVERY PIPELINE WORKS (10%)

• Complete requisite safety trainings for working in laboratory
• Meet and interact with team members to understand scope and remit of site’s and group’s focus and priorities
• Familiarize self with target biology and small molecule drug discovery

DEVELOPMENT, OPTIMIZATION AND EXECUTION OF PROTOCOLS TO DECODE MECHANISTIC BIOLOGY OF AN ONCOLOGY TARGET (80%)

• Learn and master basic laboratory skills 
• Culture and maintain various cancer cell lines
• Design and develop relevant cell-based assays to understand target biology
• Establish biochemical assays to study protein-protein interactions
• Genomic and transcriptomic profiling of cell lines by next-generation sequencing

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: 10%

• Attend lab meetings, group meetings and site wide invited speaker seminars
• Present project progress at lab/group meetings as appropriate

Qualifications & Experience

EDUCATION:

Enrolled in bachelor’s degree program in the Sciences and at minimum, successful completion of first year.  Desired backgrounds/degrees include:

• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
• Natural Sciences (Chemistry or Biology)

KEY LEARNINGS:

• Essential laboratory skills including design and optimization of assays to study mechanistic biology of a target

• Knowledge of how to identify and validate oncology targets

• Basics of forward genetic screens, including CRISPR screening, to identify/validate new targets

• Basics of cancer target validation process, including how drug targets are selected and validated

• Problem solving skills

• Skills required to work in a team-environment with all members focused on a common goal

KEY DELIVERABLES AT PROJECT COMPLETION:

• At end of the co-op assignment, the student will be required to create a presentation reflecting their learnings and recommendations.

Around the world, we are passionate about making an impact on the lives of patients with serious diseases. Empowered to apply our individual talents and diverse perspectives in an inclusive culture, our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.

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.

Bristol Myers Squibb is a leading global biopharma company focused on discovering, developing and delivering innovative medicines for patients with serious diseases in areas including oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular, fibrosis and neuroscience. Our employees work every day to transform patients’ lives through science.