Lead Discovery Scientist, Targeted Protein Degradation

Amgen; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Amgen Inc. is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead LD-TPD biochemistry, driving protein expression, purification, and assay development to support small molecule drug discovery.

You will guide a small team, collaborate across discovery programs, and shape strategies for mechanistic studies and target engagement. A PhD with relevant experience is required, with strong leadership and communication skills expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Structural Biology, Protein Engineering or related field with 2 years of industry drug discovery experience OR
• Master’s + 5 years OR Bachelor’s + 7 years in drug discovery.

Responsibilities

• Lead protein expression, purification, and characterization for challenging targets.
• Develop and implement biochemical and biophysical assays for hit identification and mechanism‑of‑action studies.
• Serve as scientific partner to cross‑functional discovery teams and provide technical expertise across pipelines.
• Lead and mentor a small team of scientists and contribute to scientific strategy.

Skills

Protein expression

Protein purification

Biochemical assay development

Biophysical assay development

Target engagement

Protein engineering

Construct design

Mutagenesis

Expression optimization

TPD/induced proximity

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Biochemistry/related field

Master’s + 5 years in drug discovery

Bachelor’s + 7 years in drug discovery

Tools

TR-FRET/HTRF

Fluorescence polarization (FP)

AlphaLISA

BLI/SPR

Job description

Amgen Inc. is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead LD-TPD biochemistry, driving protein expression, purification, and assay development to support small molecule drug discovery.

You will guide a small team, collaborate across discovery programs, and shape strategies for mechanistic studies and target engagement. A PhD with relevant experience is required, with strong leadership and communication skills expected.