Scientist Oncology Research

amgen; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Stock-based incentives

Paid time off

Flexible work models

Job summary

Amgen, based in Thousand Oaks, is seeking a Scientist in Oncology Research to discover and validate novel targets and advance next‑generation small molecules. This on‑site role emphasizes rigorous lab work and cross‑Functional collaboration with Discovery Research.

You will generate impactful data, document results, and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications while working within a collaborative, mission‑driven environment.

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree or equivalent
• Master’s with 2 years of relevant lab experience or
• Bachelor’s with 4 years of relevant lab experience

Responsibilities

• Discover and validate novel oncology targets and advance small‑molecule therapeutics
• Develop and conduct in‑vitro studies to investigate target biology, evaluate mechanisms of action and assess early‑stage therapeutic molecules
• Generate high‑quality, actionable data to guide target validation and drug discovery decisions
• Identify emerging target hypotheses from literature and databases to guide ideation and validation
• Maintain thorough, timely research records and communicate findings at internal and external forums and contribute data to publications

Skills

Cell biology

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Western blotting

Immunofluorescence

qPCR

Flow cytometry

High-throughput assays

Education

Doctorate degree

Master’s degree and 2 years of relevant laboratory experience

Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of relevant laboratory experience

Tools

DepMap

cBioPortal

OmicsSoft

CODEX

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.

Scientist Oncology Research

What you will do

Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. The Department of Oncology Research at Amgen, Thousand Oaks is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to help discover and validate novel oncology targets and advance the next generation of small‑molecule therapeutics. In this vital role you will be an integral member of a dynamic research team and collaborate closely with scientists across Amgen’s Discovery Research organization.

This is an on‑site role focused primarily on laboratory research. You’ll make impactful scientific contributions by developing and conducting in‑vitro studies to investigate target biology, evaluate mechanisms of action and assess early‑stage therapeutic molecules. Through this work, you’ll generate high‑quality, actionable data to guide target validation and drug discovery decisions.

You’ll also use scientific literature and relevant databases to identify and assess emerging target hypotheses, helping guide target ideation and validation. You’ll maintain thorough, timely research records, communicate findings at internal and external forums, and contribute data and writing to peer‑reviewed publications.

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 scientist with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

Doctorate degree

Or

Master’s degree and 2 years of relevant laboratory experience

Or

Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of relevant laboratory experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• An advanced degree and training in cancer biology or a related field, with a background in cancer signaling pathways and the cell cycle.
• A strong skillset of standard cell and molecular biology experimental design and techniques (e.g. cell culture, western blotting, immunofluorescence, qPCR, flow cytometry, etc).
• Experience with high‑throughput assays (e.g. CTG, AlphaLISA, MSD) is a plus.
• Mammalian cell culture work will be required, and relevant experience is highly desired.
• Experience with modern techniques for assaying gene function (e.g. RNAi and CRISPR approaches), especially lentivirus preparation and utilization
• Familiarity with genomic data analysis suites (e.g., DepMap, cBioPortal, OmicsSoft) and AI‑enabled tools for scientific research and data analysis (e.g., CODEX)
• Experience in target identification and validation or supporting the early stages of drug discovery.
• A track record of independent critical thinking and scientific achievement, supported by publications and/or significant contributions to a drug discovery program.

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, we’ll 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.

Application deadline

External/Internal postings:

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.

Internal only posting (or Pre-ID candidate):

Amgen anticipates accepting applications however, we may continue accepting applications beyond this date if we do not receive a sufficient number of candidates.

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. Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider you without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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. Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider you without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Salary Range

115,393.45USD -156,120.55USD