Senior Director Observational Research

Amgen; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Total rewards program

Job summary

Amgen is seeking a Senior Director of Observational Research to provide global strategic leadership for the Observational Research Clinical Operations function within CPSO, guiding strategy and execution of observational studies, pragmatic trials, and real-world evidence generation.

You will shape operating models, capabilities, and portfolio priorities, ensuring high-quality, compliant delivery to support product development and patient outcomes on a global scale.

Qualifications

• Degree educated with advanced degree preferred in life sciences.
• Extensive experience in clinical research, operations, and real-world evidence.
• Proven leadership of global clinical operations and observational research programs.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking for evidence generation.
• Experience managing budgets, governance, and CRO partnerships.
• Excellent communication and senior stakeholder influence.

Responsibilities

• Lead global operational strategy for the Observational Research portfolio.
• Translate evidence strategies into scalable operating models.
• Set portfolio priorities, governance, budgets, and vendor strategies.
• Build partnerships with Product Teams, CfOR, GDO and cross-functional teams.
• Lead talent development and succession planning for the Observational Research function.
• Drive quality, compliance, and continuous improvement across processes.
• Represent the function in senior leadership forums.

Skills

Global leadership

Clinical operations

Observational research

Real-world evidence

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder collaboration

Talent development

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Career Category

Clinical

Job Description

Join Amgen's Mission of Serving Patients

At 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. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline and portfolio of medicines to treat heart disease, obesity and obesity-related conditions, rare diseases, inflammatory conditions and cancer. 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.

SENIOR DIRECTOR OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH

What you will do

Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role, you will provide global strategic leadership for Amgen's Observational Research Clinical Operations function within Clinical Program Strategy & Operations (CPSO), driving the strategy and execution of observational studies, pragmatic clinical trials, and innovative real-world evidence generation approaches. You will shape the function's operating model, capabilities, and portfolio priorities, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and compliant delivery of evidence that supports product development and patient outcomes.

• Lead the global clinical operational strategy, planning, and execution of the Observational Research portfolio, aligning delivery with product development and evidence generation objectives.
• Translate innovative evidence generation strategies into scalable and effective operational delivery models, including observational research and pragmatic clinical trials.
• Set portfolio priorities and oversee operational governance, resource allocation, budgets, vendor strategies, risk management, and performance.
• Establish strategic partnerships with Product Teams, the Center for Observational Research (CfOR), Global Development Operations (GDO), and other cross-functional stakeholders to ensure successful portfolio execution.
• Lead and develop the Observational Research function, shaping organizational capabilities, workforce planning, talent development, and succession strategies.
• Drive operational excellence, quality, and compliance through standardized processes, inspection readiness, continuous improvement, and innovative technologies.
• Represent the function in senior leadership and governance forums, influencing strategic decisions and advancing future evidence generation capabilities.

What we expect of you

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. What we seek in you as an experienced professional, are these qualifications and skills:

• Degree educated
• Extensive experience in clinical research, clinical operations, and/or real-world evidence generation, including significant experience within the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Proven leadership of global clinical operations, complex programs, and evidence generation portfolios, particularly observational research and pragmatic clinical trials.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking, with the ability to translate broader organizational objectives and innovative real-world evidence strategies into actionable clinical operational plans.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including building and developing high-performing global teams, workforce planning, and talent development.
• Strong understanding of global clinical development, evidence generation, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and applicable regulatory and quality standards.
• Experience overseeing portfolio planning, budgets, resource allocation, operational governance, and external partnerships, including CROs and service providers.
• Proven ability to lead organizational transformation, drive innovation, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong executive presence, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior leadership and navigate complex, global matrix organizations.
• Strategic decision-making and problem-solving capabilities, with a focus on operational excellence, risk management, and successful portfolio delivery.

What you can expect of us

• From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.
• In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers competitive and comprehensive Total Rewards Plans that are aligned with local industry standards.

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