Senior Data Scientist – Perturbation Biology & AI

Amgen; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 3,000,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Amgen seeks a Senior Data Scientist with a strong computational biology background to join the ARIA Bioinformatics Technologies group. You will develop AI/ML methods for perturbation screening, enhance data interpretability, and collaborate with experimental teams to translate computational predictions into actionable insights for target and biomarker discovery.

The role emphasizes advanced AI/ML, causal learning, and integration with molecular biology to accelerate therapeutic hypothesis

Qualifications

• 8–13 years of directly related experience
• Demonstrated expertise in method development for functional genomics and perturbation screens, ideally with single-cell omics technologies
• Proficiency in scientific programming languages (Python, R) and software development best practices

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced methodologies at the intersection of functional genomics and AI/ML analytics to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets, elucidate mechanisms of action, and discover preclinical biomarkers.
• Provide computational and data science support for high-throughput single-cell perturbation and phenotypic screening experiments to map gene–phenotype relationships, uncover disease drivers, and prioritize hits for validation.
• Drive digital innovation by identifying gaps in analytical workflows and developing robust, reproducible, and FAIR solutions that improve data interpretability and accelerate hypothesis generation.
• Build and apply machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI approaches to simulate cellular responses to perturbations, delivering predictions that accelerate therapeutic hypothesis generation.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists and translational teams to align computational predictions with experimental design and biological context.

Skills

Machine learning

Deep learning

Generative AI

Transformer architectures

Pre-training

Fine-tuning

Few-shot learning

In silico modeling

Perturbation screening

Tools

Python

R

Job description

Career Category Research Job Description

What you will do

Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Senior Data Scientist with a strong background in computational biology to join the Bioinformatics Technologies team within Amgen’s Automation, Research Data Systems, Informatics, and AI (ARIA) organization. ARIA is a multidisciplinary group embedded within Amgen’s discovery engine, leveraging advancements in digital technologies for disease modeling and digital modality engineering to accelerate the pipeline from target inception through drug development. Within ARIA, Bioinformatics Technologies serves as an innovation hub for developing, deploying, and applying emerging digital technologies in computational biology to drive the next generation of therapeutic discovery. Perturbation screening is an essential approach for understanding how genetic and non‑genetic changes impact cellular systems. By systematically probing gene function and network dependencies, these studies reveal disease mechanisms, identify novel therapeutic targets, and uncover biomarkers that can guide preclinical and translational research. This capability enables more confident target validation and accelerates the path from discovery to therapeutic hypothesis generation. In this role, you will develop and apply advanced computational and AI/ML methods to analyze perturbation screening data, strengthen data interpretability, and collaborate with experimental teams to ensure computational predictions translate into actionable insights for target and therapeutic discovery. The successful candidate will possess strong analytical aptitude, have a high degree of technical competency in computational sciences with a deep theoretical understanding of AI/ML and causal learning paired with an excellent understanding of molecular biology proven by a track record of innovative and collaborative research.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and apply advanced methodologies at the intersection of functional genomics and AI/ML analytics to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets, elucidate mechanisms of action, and discover preclinical biomarkers.
• Provide computational and data science support for high‑throughput single‑cell perturbation and phenotypic screening experiments (e.g., Perturb‑seq) to map gene–phenotype relationships, uncover disease drivers, and prioritize hits for validation.
• Drive digital innovation by identifying gaps in analytical workflows and developing robust, reproducible, and FAIR solutions that improve data interpretability, strengthen readout confidence, and accelerate therapeutic hypothesis generation.
• Build and apply machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI approaches to simulate cellular responses to single or combinatorial genetic and non‑genetic perturbations, delivering fit‑for‑purpose predictions that reduce experimental burden and accelerate therapeutic hypothesis generation.
• Collaborate closely with experimental biologists and translational teams to ensure computational predictions align with experimental design and biological context, enabling testable target and biomarker hypotheses; contribute to the design of perturbation experiments so that computational and experimental approaches inform and strengthen each other.

What we expect of you

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The dynamic professional we seek is a senior data scientist with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications

Any degree and 8‑13 years of directly related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in method development for functional genomics and perturbation screens, ideally with experience in single‑cell omics technologies.
• Strong background in machine learning and AI, including deep learning, generative modeling, and transformer‑based architectures; experience with pre‑training, fine‑tuning, and few‑/zero‑shot learning, ideally with experience in in silico modeling of cellular responses to drug or genetic perturbations.
• Proven track record of applying computational methods to drive biological insights, target validation, biomarker discovery, or therapeutic hypothesis generation.
• Proficiency in scientific programming languages and tool development using Python, R, or similar, with familiarity in relevant libraries and frameworks.
• Experience with large‑scale data processing using cloud computing, workflow development, and software best practices (e.g., version control, continuous integration, test‑driven development).
• Familiarity with agentic AI, digital innovation approaches, and FAIR data principles for building robust and scalable analytical workflows.
• Familiarity with molecular and disease biology, with the ability to contextualize computational findings in therapeutic discovery.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to extract and clearly present insights from complex data to diverse audiences with rigor and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with demonstrated ability to thrive in cross‑facing teams and effectively present results to diverse audiences.
• Creative, open‑mind and they will present on scalability etc.

Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology. Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its biologics manufacturing expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

For more information, visit www.amgen.com and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen