Unlock Your Potential
Amgen's Ignite & Accelerate Programs
At Amgen, we take on the scientific and medical challenges of the future. Learn how our rotation programs support not just professional development, but personal growth as well.
LIVE. WIN. THRIVE.
More Than a
Job
At Amgen, a rotation program is more than just a professional stepping stone; it's a transformative experience that can redefine your career trajectory. When you join one of our rotation programs, you position yourself for opportunities of unparalleled growth, both professionally and personally. Hear directly from Amgen employees who took the leap and applied for a rotation program—and how it helped them grow a brighter, more dynamic future.
Program Highlights
Our Accelerate and Ignite Programs were designed to broaden the horizons of our R&D employees. We enable our employees to pursue challenging opportunities that cross the traditional boundaries of what is expected within most Research & Development departments.
Here are a few key features of our programs:
- Pairing with a mentor and a peer buddy
- Career development coaching paired with developmental assessments
- Cohort experience
- Frequent opportunities to interact with senior leaders at Amgen
- End of cohort presentation and celebration with senior leaders
- PLUS, for Accelerate participants, leadership development training and coaching
Two Programs, Two Opportunities to Grow
Ignite
The Ignite Program allows R&D and Chief Medical Office (OCMO) staff to rotate to a new area of R&D and OCMO for one year to increase their breadth of knowledge, expand their network, and explore new career paths. Participants return to their original function after one year with new skills and greater understanding of our business.
Accelerate
The Accelerate Program allows R&D and OCMO staff to rotate in a 3-year rotational experience designed to foster the next generation of cross-functional R&D and OCMO leaders. It features 3 one-year-rotations across R&D and OCMO, with additional leadership development opportunities.
Shelley Durazo
Sr. PM, Inflammation TA Commercialization
"The rotation has been a launch pad for my career and is a pivotal moment in my career where I moved out of operations for the first time and into business strategy. The rotation has given me the chance to sit in a new department that I would have otherwise not been able to secure employment without prior experience. After 10 years in designing and building clinical trial databases, I am now learning how to talk strategy and consider risk/benefit and contribute to decisions that deliver medicines to patients. This rotation year have given me the chance to put my 10 years of experiential learning to product strategy and moving the portfolio forward.
The rotation program is unique and I am proud to work for a company that truly values talent and provides opportunities for talent to shine and make an impact that matters."
Rebeca Adanez
Global Study Execution Lead, Inflammation
"Building relationships with colleagues and leaders from different parts of the world has broadened my perspective and enriched my understanding of various cultural contexts. The guidance and support from my mentors have been pivotal, helping me navigate challenges and grow both personally and professionally. Overall, this experience has made me more adaptable, culturally aware, and confident in my abilities to manage diverse teams and complex situations. It has truly been a transformative journey, shaping me into a well-rounded and globally minded individual.
I think this quote perfectly reflects my journey: 'Don't fear failure. Fear being in the exact same place next year as you are today.'"
Amanda Beasley
Director, Representation in Clinical Research
"My experience with the IGNITE rotational program offered me an opportunity to stretch myself and get out of the comfort of clinical operations after being in it for 12 years. It also moved me into a role that aligned with my personal passions. This fueled me to excel and I was able to prove myself and my potential enough that I was offered a permanent role and a promotion.
If you are ready to stretch yourself or expand your skills in areas new to you, just do it."
Pinar Kizilirmak
Sr. Medical Scientist, Early Development
"With a tenure of more than 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry and academia, I have actively engaged in diverse talent development initiatives across multiple multinational corporations. Amgen's rotational program remarkably stands out for its well-structured, comprehensive, and individualized approach. The Ignite and Accelerate programs not only offer an exceptional opportunity to explore diverse roles within various disciplines in Research and Development, but also enhance our leadership capabilities through invaluable external and internal leadership training, mentorship, coaching, and collaborative knowledge sharing.
Please do not miss this exceptional opportunity to enrich both your personal and professional development."
Career Development is
in Our DNA
At Amgen, growth opportunities are unlimited. We know that by supporting you both in and out of the lab, you are empowered to support the patients we serve. Our rotation programs accept applications every year from June 1st-July 1st. Together, let's transform the future of biotech.
For current Amgen employees who wish to learn more or apply for one of the programs, please visit the Global R&D Talent SharePoint.
For candidates interested in Amgen, please click here to explore roles in R&D.