Director - Oncology Research

BioSpace; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 300,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Stock-based long-term incentives

Award-winning time-off plans

Flexible work models where possible

Job summary

Amgen is seeking a Director of Oncology Research to lead a portfolio of antibody-based therapeutics for solid tumors. You will supervise cross-functional teams, drive preclinical programs, and advance AI/ML-enabled strategies in tumor biology.

The role emphasizes leadership, deep oncology knowledge, and the ability to translate complex data into strategic recommendations while mentoring high-performing research teams.

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field with 4+ years of direct related experience OR
• Master's in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field with 8+ years of direct related experience OR
• Bachelor's in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field with 10+ years of direct related experience
• Must have at least 4 years of experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs, or directing resources

Responsibilities

• Lead preclinical research for T cell engager focused on identification of novel target opportunities
• Build and lead a portfolio of innovative research programs focused on bispecific antibodies
• Lead a team of project leaders and lab-based scientists to create an inclusive high-performing environment
• Lead cross-functional teams and engage internal partners to integrate tumor biology and portfolio strategy
• Establish productive external scientific collaborations and contribute to evaluation of external opportunities
• Partner with peers across research and development to advance new science and AI/ML applications

Skills

Leadership

People management

Team leadership

Communication skills

AI/ML in research

Education

Doctorate in Cancer Biology or related field

Masters in Cancer Biology or related field

Bachelors in Cancer Biology or related field

Job description

Join Amgens Mission of Serving Patients

At Amgen, if you feel like youre part of something bigger, its because you are. Our shared missionto serve patients living with serious illnessesdrives all that we do.

Since 1980, weve helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the worlds toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, youll 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, youll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.

Director Oncology Research

What you will do

Lets do this. Lets change the world. Amgen is a leader in the discovery and development of innovative cancer therapeutics. The Oncology Research team seeks a Director of Research to develop and lead a portfolio of antibody-based therapeutics for solid tumors. In this role, you will work cross-functionally to implement and advance next-generation approaches for cancer therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preclinical research for T cell engager focused on identification of novel target opportunities, prioritization of discovery investments, and implementation of next-generation target discovery approaches.
• Build and lead a portfolio of innovative research programs focused on bispecific antibodies.
• Lead a team of project leaders and lab-based scientists to; create an inclusive high-performing environment that enables new target discovery, rigorous science and efficient execution.
• Lead cross-functional teams and engage key internal partners to integrate tumor biology, target validation, translational research, therapeutic modality considerations, and portfolio strategy.
• Establish productive external scientific collaborations and contribute to evaluation of external opportunities, including business development diligence.
• Partner effectively with peers across research and development to advance new science and integrate technology with tumor cell biology, including application of AI/ML approaches to target and biology evaluation.

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 leader with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications

Doctorate degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field [and relevant post-doc where applicable] and 4 years of directly related experience

OR

Masters degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field [and relevant post-doc where applicable] and 8 years of directly related experience

OR

Bachelors degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field [and relevant post-doc where applicable] and 10 years of directly related experience

In addition to meeting at least one of the above requirements, you must have at least 4 years experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs, or directing the allocation or resources. Your managerial experience may run concurrently with the required technical experience referenced above

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a Cancer Biology, Cell Biology or related field with at least 12 years industry experience following completion of postdoctoral training.
• Demonstrated experience leading drug discovery and development programs through IND/CTA-enabling activities, with strong experience in large-molecule therapeutics and understanding of the preclinical data sets required for development candidate nomination.
• Deep understanding of oncology and tumor biology; expertise in NSCLC or lung cancer biology is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of antibody engineering approaches, with direct experience designing and evaluating modalities including T-cell engagers and antibody-drug conjugates.
• Established record of building, mentoring, and leading high-performing research teams.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear strategic recommendations.
• Demonstrated scientific impact through publications, patents, invited presentations, or other external recognition.
• Demonstrated ability to use AI/ML to accelerate research and translational biology.

What you can expect of us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, well support your journey every step of the way.

The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

In Addition To The Base Salary, Amgen Offers a Total Rewards Plan, Based On Eligibility, Comprising Of Health And Welfare Plans For Staff And Eligible Dependents, Financial Plans With Opportunities To Save Towards Retirement Or Other Goals, Work/life Balance, And Career Development Opportunities That May Include

• A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
• A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
• Stock-based long-term incentives
• Award-winning time-off plans
• Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Application deadline

Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.

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.