Director, Oncology Research

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. 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.

Director, Oncology Research

What you will do

Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. Amgen is a leader in the discovery and development of innovative cancer therapeutics. The Oncology Research team seeks a Director of Research to develop and lead a portfolio of antibody-based therapeutics for solid tumors. In this role, you will work cross-functionally to implement and advance next-generation approaches for cancer therapeutics.

The ideal candidate will have direct experience leading oncology T-cell engager programs from discovery to development candidate nomination, with experience using translational biology approaches to inform clinical development. A deep and broad understanding of cancer cell biology, including human genetics, cell growth signaling pathways, mechanisms of response and resistance, and translational pharmacology will be essential. You will be responsible to lead project teams and external collaborations, as well as to inspire and develop a creative, dedicated research team. You will be an exceptional scientific leader who can translate strategy to execution in a fast-paced, changing matrixed environment. This role has the potential for high visibility within Amgen and externally.

Responsibilities:

• Lead preclinical research for T-cell engager clinical programs and external collaborations, focused on lung and neuroendocrine cancer.
• Build and lead a portfolio of innovative research programs focused on bispecific antibodies.
• Mentor a team of project leaders and lab-based scientists to discover new biology, deliver robust datasets and make critical decisions for therapeutic programs and technology platforms.
• Contribute to the identification and evaluation of external research opportunities, including business development partnerships and academic collaborations.
• Partner effectively with peers across research and development to advance new science and integrate technology with tumor cell biology, including application of AI/ML approaches to target evaluation and biomarker 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 leader with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

Doctorate degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field [and relevant post-doc where applicable] and 5 years of directly related experience

OR

Master’s degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field and 8 years of directly related experience

OR

Bachelor’s degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field and 10 years of directly related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field with at least 12 years of experience in industry following completion of postdoctoral training
• Deep understanding of lung cancer biology.
• Direct experience leading T-cell engager research programs from target identification and validation to clinical candidate selection and submission of IND/CTA. Demonstrated understanding of preclinical dataset required for development candidate nomination, and experience interacting with regulatory authorities, preferred.
• Knowledge of antibody engineering approaches, with direct experience designing and evaluating modalities including T-cell engagers and antibody-drug conjugates.
• Experience developing translational biology datasets and interpreting clinical biomarker data.
• Demonstrated ability to use AI/ML to accelerate research and translational biology.
• Demonstrated high scientific impact through publications, invited talks and patents. Scientific
• Pragmatic, empathetic leadership style that is inclusive, develops talent, and prioritizes work aligned with our mission to serve patients

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.

Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.

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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.

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.