Senior Scientist - Targeted Protein Degradation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Life and disability insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Annual bonus program

Stock-based incentives

Paid time off

Job summary

Amgen is seeking a Senior Scientist to advance targeted protein degradation through molecular glue screening, leveraging IPP to identify novel degradation targets. You will validate hits, characterize mechanisms, and translate findings into new therapeutic opportunities across oncology and immunology.

The role requires expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology, and assay development, with a track record of independent research and collaboration across teams within a matrix environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology/biochemistry or related field with post-doc/industry experience.
• Strong publication record in top journals.
• Experience with disease-relevant models and target biology.
• Expertise in E3 ligase biology and induced proximity concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute workflows to validate molecular glue screening hits and target biology.
• Evaluate hits in disease-relevant models to identify novel targets.
• Collaborate with chemistry and proteomics to build E3 ligase-focused libraries.
• Develop cell-based and biochemical assays for target engagement and activity.
• Contribute to project goals and timelines and communicate results.
• Present findings at conferences and in publications.

Skills

Biochemistry

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Assay development

Target discovery

E3 ligase biology

Molecular glue screening

Publication track record

Education

Doctorate degree

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRISPR technologies

Mass spectrometry

High-throughput screening

Assay automation

Job description

Career CategoryScientificJob DescriptionJoin 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.

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 – Targeted Protein Degradation

What you will doLet’s do this. Let’s change the world. Amgen’s Induced Proximity Platform (IPP) is pioneering transformative drug modalities that harness proximity biology to address previously undruggable targets and expand therapeutic opportunities across multiple disease areas.Within IPP, the Targeted Protein Degradation function integrates E3 ligase biology, chemical biology, and molecular pharmacology to discover next-generation protein degradation therapeutics. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to advance E3 ligase-focused molecular glue screening and drive novel target discovery.You are a creative and critical-thinking scientist with expertise in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, assay development, and target discovery. In this role, you will develop and execute molecular glue screening and validation strategies, identify novel degradation targets, characterize E3 ligase: target relationships, and translate screening findings into new therapeutic opportunities.You will collaborate across disciplines to evaluate emerging targets and chemical matter, leveraging your scientific expertise and disease biology experience across oncology, cardiovascular biology, and immunology to identify high-value target opportunities and advance the therapeutic potential of molecular glue degraders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute workflows to validate molecular glue screening hits, including mechanism characterization and understanding of target biology.
• Evaluate molecular glue hits in disease-relevant models to identify novel targets and therapeutic opportunities.
• Collaborate with chemistry, proteomics, and other IPP teams to build and screen E3 ligase focused molecular glue libraries.
• Develop cell-based and biochemical assays to study E3 ligase biology, target engagement, and molecular glue activity.
• Contribute to project goals and timelines and communicate results across teams and research sites.
• Present scientific findings at conferences and through publications.

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The dynamic professional we seek is a critical-thinker with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree [and relevant post-doc where applicable]
• Master’s degree and 4 years of relevant scientific experience
• Bachelor’s degree and 6 years of relevant scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Cell Biology or a related field, with 1-2 years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry research experience
• Broad knowledge of cell and molecular biology with demonstrated independent research eminence through first author publications in top journals
• Experience working with disease relevant models
• Knowledge of mechanism of action studies for induced proximity
• Experience with high-throughput screening and assay automation
• Prior experience generating stable cell lines, CRISPR technologies and sample preparation for mass spectrometry
• Experience with high-throughput screening and assay automation
• Experience with cell-based imaging approaches to investigate target biology, protein localization, and cellular responses
• Exposure to targeted protein degradation or induced proximity concepts
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills in a matrixed research environment
• Flexibility to work in teams to achieve project goals and meet timelines
• Strong experience with interpreting and analyzing complex data sets

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.

Benefits

• 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

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.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.

Inclusive environment

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Salary Range

127,121.75USD -171,988.25 USD