Executive Director, Research Oncology

BioSpace; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 270,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and welfare plans

Bonus program

Stock-based incentives

Flexible work models

Job summary

Amgen seeks an Executive Director, Oncology Research to lead discovery and development of novel therapeutics for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. You will drive strategy, recruit and mentor teams, and oversee a diverse portfolio within a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

The role requires deep oncology biology knowledge, leadership excellence, and a track record in translating preclinical findings to clinical candidates, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and talent development.

Qualifications

• PhD in Cancer Biology with at least 15 years of industry oncology research experience.
• Proven success leading oncology drug discovery programs from early preclinical phase through IND/CTA submission.
• Demonstrated high-impact publications, invited talks, and patent inventorship in oncology.
• Experience establishing and leading external partnerships supporting publications or trial design.
• Familiarity with AI/ML models and their application to drug development.
• Inclusive, transparent leadership that develops talent at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Drive research strategy and execution for a differentiated oncology portfolio, initially focusing on ADCs.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams of project leaders and scientists.
• Advance preclinical programs and partner with clinical development and biomarker teams.
• Leverage data and technology to accelerate discovery and decision-making.
• Shape external collaborations, including academic partnerships and business development opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Oncology research

Education

PhD in Cancer Biology

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

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.

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-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.

Executive Director, Oncology Research

What You Will Do

Lets do this. Lets 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

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The candidate we seek is an experienced leader with the following qualifications.

Basic Qualifications

• Doctorate degree & 6 years of oncology research experience OR
• Masters degree & 10 years of oncology research experience OR
• Bachelors 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.

They will also embody the 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

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 $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.

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 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.