Scientist Biologic Discovery

Amgen; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Amgen in Burnaby, BC, is seeking a Scientist for Biologic Discovery on a 14-month contract to join the In Vitro Pharmacology team and discover novel therapeutic antibodies. The role focuses on developing and validating cell-based assays to screen antibody candidates.

The ideal candidate will have strong lab skills, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset, contributing to high-throughput screening and data-driven decision making in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree required or equivalent.
• Master’s degree + 3 years related experience or Bachelor’s + 5 years related experience.
• Experience in assay development and screening for antibody therapeutics preferred.
• Deep expertise in bioassays such as cytokine release, cell activation/proliferation, phosphorylation, reporter, and ADCC assays.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, analyze, and document experiments to support assay development and screening of therapeutic antibody candidates.
• Apply relevant lab techniques including mammalian cell culture, ELISA, flow cytometry, and imaging; operate associated equipment.
• Interpret and communicate experimental results and recommendations to scientific and cross-functional audiences.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues with data-driven problem solving.
• Stay current with literature and apply new knowledge to assay strategy and data interpretation.
• Collaborate with partners to align assay strategy with program needs.
• Maintain complete, accurate data records and communicate risks or delays.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Education

Doctorate degree

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Multimode plate readers

Imaging systems

Flow cytometers

Liquid handling systems

Job description

Amgen’s Mission of Serving PatientsAt Amgen, if you feel like you’re part of something bigger, it’s because you are. Our shared mission—to serve patients living with serious illnesses—drives all that we do.

Amgen’s Mission of Serving PatientsAt Amgen, if you feel like you’re part of something bigger, it’s because you are. Our shared mission—to serve patients living with serious illnesses—drives all that we do.
Since 1980, we’ve helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world’s toughest diseases. We discover, develop, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help millions of patients. As a member of the Amgen team, you’ll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller, happier lives.
Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you’ll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.

Role: Scientist, Biologic Discovery (14 Month Contract)Reports to: Principal ScientistLocation: Burnaby, BCWhat You Will DoLet’s do this. Let’s change the world.
In this vital role, you will join our In Vitro Pharmacology team in the Biologic Discovery organization to discover novel therapeutic antibodies.
The team specializes in developing custom cell-based bioassays tailored to specific scientific needs. We identify and characterize antibodies with desired functional activity using these assays. The individual will join a team of dedicated scientists to discover molecules that have the potential to help patients in need. A well-suited applicant will bring strong laboratory skills, deep scientific curiosity, and a positive, collaborative approach to a team-based research environment. The successful candidate will develop, optimize, qualify, and implement novel cell-based assays to support high-throughput therapeutic antibody screening.
This is a 14-month contract position that offers potential for full-time placement. Successful candidates must reside in the Greater Vancouver area.
If you have a passion for science and want to be part of an organization discovering new medicines that will impact patients’ lives, we invite you to join us!

Essential Functions:

• Design, execute, analyze, and document experiments to support assay development and screening of therapeutic antibody candidates.
• Apply relevant laboratory techniques, including mammalian cell culture and transfection, ELISA, flow cytometry, and fluorescence imaging; operate associated laboratory equipment, including multimode plate readers, imaging systems, flow cytometers, and liquid handlers.
• Critically evaluate, interpret, and clearly communicate experimental results, technical conclusions, and recommendations to scientific and cross-functional audiences.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex technical issues using sound scientific judgment and data-driven problem solving.
• Stay current with relevant scientific literature and apply new knowledge to assay strategy, experimental design, data interpretation, and technical recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to align assay strategy, experimental priorities, and data packages with program needs.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely experimental documentation and data records in applicable electronic systems, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and timely communication of risks or delays.

What We Expect Of You

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The highly motivated individual we seek is a collaborative team player with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications

Doctorate degree

OR

Master’s degree & 3 years of directly related experience

OR

Bachelor’s degree & 5 years of directly related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in assay development and screening for the identification of therapeutic candidates, preferably antibodies
• Deep expertise in bioassays such as cytokine release assay, cell activation/proliferation assays, phosphorylation assays, reporter assays, and ADCC assay
• Previous experience with developing and conducting bioassays for antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) molecules would be an asset
• Established capabilities in setting-up and operating laboratory equipment including multimode plate readers (e.g., Envision), imagers (e.g. IncuCyte, Opera Phenix/Operetta), flow cytometers (e.g. CytoFLEX), and automated liquid handlers (e.g. Bravo) for 96- and/or 384-well plate-based assays
• Demonstrated initiative, teamwork, collaboration and passion for developing technical expertise from assay development to routine execution
• A flexible mindset with strong interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills

What You Can Expect Of Us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for our teammates’ professional and personal growth and well-being.
Amgen is proud to have been recognized as one of LinkedIn Top 25 Companies in Canada for career growth.
In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers competitive and comprehensive Total Rewards Plans that are aligned with local industry standards.

As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.

Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.