Senior Scientist - Precision Oncology

Amgen; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 127,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Retirement and Savings Plan

Stock-based long-term incentives

Flexible work models

Job summary

Amgen seeks a Senior Scientist in Precision Oncology to lead experimental strategy for oncology programs, shaping evidence for new therapeutic hypotheses. You will collaborate with biology, chemistry, computational sciences, pharmacology, and translational sciences to translate biological insights into impactful discoveries.

The role emphasizes creativity, rigorous experimental design, and cross-functional teamwork within a collaborative, science-driven culture.

Qualifications

• PhD in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Chemical Biology, or related discipline, with 1–3 years postdoc/industry experience.
• Strong background in cancer cell biology, cell signaling, mechanistic pharmacology, and small-molecule oncology drug discovery, with publications or patents.
• Subject matter expertise in advanced CRISPR technologies and genome engineering.
• Expertise in advanced imaging technologies including high-content imaging, quantitative microscopy, live-cell imaging, and image-analysis workflows.
• Experience developing and applying high-throughput cellular and biochemical assays, including assay optimization and QC.
• Excellent experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated scientific creativity and success in multidisciplinary research environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute studies to validate oncology targets and define mechanisms of action.
• Apply CRISPR genome-editing to establish target function and dependencies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and AI tools to accelerate discovery.
• Develop quantitative assays to investigate target engagement and pathway modulation.
• Analyze complex data and communicate insights to multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborate across research groups to advance oncology drug discovery.

Skills

Cancer biology

Mechanistic pharmacology

Experimental design

CRISPR genome editing

Genome engineering

Advanced imaging

High-content imaging

Cell signaling

Data analysis

Education

PhD in a relevant field (Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Chemical Biology)

Master's degree with 2+ years experience

Bachelor's degree with 4+ years experience

Tools

CRISPR genome editing

Imaging platforms

High-throughput assays

Job description

Career Category

Research

Job Description

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. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline and portfolio of medicines to treat heart disease, obesity and obesity-related conditions, rare diseases, inflammatory conditions and cancer. 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.

Senior Scientist - Precision Oncology

What you will do

Let’s do this. Let’s change the world.

The Oncology Research organization is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to uncover and translate cancer biology that enables the discovery and advancement of novel therapeutic programs.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape experimental strategy for emerging oncology programs, establish compelling evidence for new therapeutic hypotheses, and define mechanisms that support program progression. You will bring creativity and rigor to challenging biological questions with the potential to open new directions for cancer drug discovery.

Working in a highly collaborative research environment, you will partner with multidisciplinary teams across biology, chemistry, computational sciences, pharmacology, and translational sciences to transform biological insight into impactful oncology discoveries.

We are seeking a creative and technically accomplished cancer biologist with deep expertise in cancer cell biology, mechanistic pharmacology, and quantitative experimental design. The successful candidate will combine strong scientific judgment, experimental innovation, and a demonstrated ability to solve complex biological problems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute innovative studies to validate oncology targets, test therapeutic hypotheses, and define mechanisms of action in cancer-relevant models.

• Apply advanced CRISPR genome-editing technologies to establish target function and genetic dependencies.

• Evaluate and apply emerging technologies and AI tools that can accelerate oncology discovery.

• Establish quantitative, fit-for-purpose assays to investigate target engagement, pathway modulation, protein function, protein-complex biology, and small-molecule mechanism of action.

• Analyze and interpret complex data, communicating findings and biological insights to multidisciplinary discovery and leadership teams.

• Collaborate effectively with scientists across the Research organization to solve challenging problems in oncology drug discovery.

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 scientific experience
• or
• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Chemical Biology, or a related discipline, with 1–3 years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry research experience.

• Strong background in cancer cell biology, cell signaling, mechanistic pharmacology, and small-molecule oncology drug discovery, with a demonstrated record of scientific impact through first-author publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and/or patent inventorship.

• Subject matter expertise in advanced CRISPR technologies and genome engineering.

• Expertise in advanced imaging technologies, including high-content imaging, quantitative microscopy, live-cell imaging, phenotypic imaging, and image-analysis workflows.

• Experience developing and applying high-throughput cellular and biochemical assays, including assay optimization, automation-compatible workflows, quantitative analysis, and rigorous quality control.

• Excellent experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills.

• Demonstrated scientific creativity, innovation, and success in a multidisciplinary research environment.

What you can expect from 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 until 1 week after the posting; 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 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. We make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities, consistent with legal requirements. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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Salary Range

127,121.75USD -171,988.25USD