Executive Director, Research Oncology

Amgen Inc. (IR); South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 270,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total Rewards Plan

Stock-based incentives

Flexible work models

Retirement & savings plan

Job summary

Amgen is seeking an Executive Director of Oncology Research to drive discovery and development of novel therapeutics for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. You will lead a preclinical portfolio, guide large and small molecule projects, and champion AI/ML and translational insights to advance our next-generation ADC therapeutics.

You will oversee a research team, shape strategy across oncology biology, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to deliver meaningful patient impact in

Qualifications

• PhD in Cancer Biology or related field with at least 15 years of oncology research experience.
• Demonstrated success leading oncology drug discovery programs from early preclinical through IND/CTA submission.
• Experience establishing and leading external partnerships and research collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Drive research strategy and execution for a differentiated oncology portfolio focusing on ADCs and expanding to other modalities.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams of project leaders and scientists, fostering innovation and accountability.
• Advance preclinical programs and partner cross-functionally with clinical development and biomarker teams to translate insights into therapies.
• Leverage data and technology to accelerate discovery and decision-making.
• Shape external collaborations, including academic partnerships and business development opportunities.

Education

PhD in Cancer Biology or related field

15+ years of oncology research industry experience

Job description

Career Category Research 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. 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-related conditions. 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.

Executive Director, Oncology Research

What you will do

Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. In this vital role as the Executive Director, Oncology research you will drive the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. This is a high-visibility role offering the opportunity to shape strategy, lead cutting-edge science, inspire talent, and deliver meaningful impact for patients worldwide. Our Oncology Research team is at the forefront of this effort, advancing a bold pipeline of next-generation medicines. The Executive Director will have extensive experience in oncology drug development, including proficiency leading large molecule and small molecule project teams from target discovery and validation to clinical candidate selection, and supporting clinical and translational studies. The Executive Director will have deep and broad knowledge of cancer biology, including cell signaling pathways, tumor genetics and subtypes, and mechanisms of response and resistance to existing therapeutics, will be essential. The ability to integrate large-scale human datasets, AI/ML, and translational insights into the research portfolio will be an advantage. The Executive Director will have a central role in co-creating the next generation of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics. You will lead a research team, be responsible for a portfolio of preclinical programs, and drive preclinical activities to support clinical programs and external collaborations. You are a scientific leader who inspires your team and develops talent at all levels. Your strategic vision and scientific expertise will be balanced by flexibility, resilience, and a demonstrated ability to excel in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive research strategy and execution for a differentiated oncology portfolio. This effort will initially focus on ADCs and is expected to expand into other modalities.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams of project leaders and scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and growth.
• Advance preclinical programs and partner cross-functionally with clinical development and biomarker teams to translate insights into next-generation therapies.
• Leverage data and technology to accelerate discovery and decision-making.
• Shape external collaborations, including academic partnerships and business development opportunities.

What we expect of you

Basic Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree & 6 years of oncology research experience OR Master’s degree & 10 years of oncology research experience OR Bachelor’s degree & 12 years of oncology research experience AND 6 years of managerial experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs or directing the allocation of resources

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree (PhD) in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline with at least 15 years of industry experience in oncology research following postdoctoral training.
• Demonstrated success leading oncology drug discovery programs from early preclinical phase through IND/CTA submission.
• Proven scientific accomplishment and innovation in oncology research as evidenced by high-impact publications, invited presentations to congresses, and inventorship on patents.
• Experience establishing and leading success external partnerships and research collaborations that result in publications and/or that support clinical study design.
• Experience leading diligence on business development opportunities that advanced to partnerships.
• Familiarity with AI/ML models and application to drug development.
• Inclusive, transparent leadership style that puts patients and science first and develops talent at all levels.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.

Amgen leadership attributes which are:

• Inspire: Create a connected, inclusive, and inspiring work environment that empowers talent to thrive.
• Accelerate: Enable speed that matches the urgency of patient needs by encouraging progress over perfection.
• Integrate: Connect the dots to amplify the collective power of Amgen to drive results for patients, staff, and shareholders.
• Adapt: Lead through change by adapting to an ever-changing environment and defining a clear course of action to deliver results.

What you can expect of us

The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is $270,050 - $365,363. 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:

• 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 and bi-annual company-wide shutdowns.
• Flexible work models where possible.

Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.

Salary Range 270,050.95USD -365,363.05 USD

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

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 with 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. Amgen will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.