Postdoctoral Fellow-Discovery Proteomics

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Initial Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a Post Doctoral Fellow to conduct research on E3 ligase recruitment and molecular glue discovery. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and a strong background in cell biology or biochemistry.

This role involves designing experiments, collaborating on proteomics studies, and contributing to scientific publications. The position promises excellent opportunities for scientific growth and high-impact publication authorship.

Qualifications

• PhD completed prior to start date in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, etc.
• Strong background in cell and molecular biology.
• Experience in ubiquitin biology or targeted protein degradation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute cellular and biochemical experiments.
• Develop and apply proximity labeling strategies.
• Investigate recruitment mechanisms involving post-translational modifications.

Skills

Cell biology

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Proteomics

Experimental independence

Communication skills

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Tools

CRISPR engineering

Mass spectrometry

Job description

What you will do

The Post Doctoral Fellow at Amgen conducts research under the supervision of a mentor. They contribute to the design and execution of research projects, the analysis of data, and the preparation of scientific manuscripts.

Position Overview

This postdoctoral project focuses on understanding how biochemical state, cellular context, and subcellular localization influence substrate recruitment to E3 ligases such as Cereblon (CRBN). The fellow will leverage cutting‑edge in‑cell proximity labeling technologies (TurboID), quantitative proteomics, and cellular perturbation approaches to define mechanistically meaningful recruitment events relevant to molecular glue discovery.

The position is ideal for candidates with strong training in cell biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry, particularly in ubiquitin biology, targeted protein degradation, or E3 ligase biology, who are interested in applying proteomics approaches to mechanistic questions in targeted protein degradation.

Prior hands‑on proteomics expertise is not required; however, familiarity with proteomics approaches and enthusiasm for learning advanced quantitative proteomics methodologies are highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute cellular and biochemical experiments to study molecular glue‑mediated E3 ligase recruitment
• Develop and apply proximity labeling and targeted perturbation strategies in engineered cellular systems
• Investigate context‑dependent recruitment mechanisms involving post‑translational modifications, protein complexes, and subcellular localization
• Collaborate closely with proteomics scientists to generate and interpret quantitative mass spectrometry datasets
• Integrate biological and proteomic datasets to develop mechanistic models of induced proximity biology
• Present findings and contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, publications, and scientific communications

Basic Qualifications

• PhD completed prior to start date in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Immunology, Cancer Biology, or related discipline

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in cell and molecular biology with demonstrated experimental independence
• Experience in ubiquitin biology, E3 ligases, targeted protein degradation, or induced proximity biology
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, CRISPR engineering, protein interaction studies, or signaling biology
• Familiarity with proteomics or mass spectrometry‑based approaches
• Strong publication record, including first‑author publications in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals
• Strong communication and collaborative skills

Scientific Environment

The fellow will join a highly collaborative environment at the intersection of proteomics, TPD biology, and translational drug discovery. The project leverages established high‑throughput TurboID proximity labeling workflows, advanced quantitative proteomics platforms, and close collaborations across discovery biology and proteomics teams.

This position offers outstanding opportunities for scientific growth in induced proximity biology, quantitative proteomics, and translational therapeutic discovery, with expected authorship on high‑impact publications.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.