Scientist – Mass Spectrometry-based Biochemical and Cell Assays

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.

Amgen's Lead Discovery and Characterization laboratory within Therapeutic Discovery organization is seeking a highly motivated and capable high-throughput mass spec (MS)-based biochemical and cell assay scientist at Amgen’s headquarter in Thousand Oaks, California. The Scientist will be responsible primarily for the development, optimization, troubleshooting and execution of novel or existing MS-based biochemical and cell assays to support Med-Chem SAR, MoA studies, UHTS and affinity selection mass spectrometry (ASMS) screening for promising therapeutic targets as part of Amgen’s small molecule drug discovery effort.

The Scientist will work closely with biology and chemistry teams to develop new assays and strategies, analyze results, present and discuss high quality data in a timely manner; should also contribute to skills development and mentoring of colleagues in a highly multi-disciplinary environment.

Basic Qualifications

Doctoral degree

Or

Master’s degree and 2 years of scientific experience

Or

Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate or Master with 3+ years relevant experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a biopharmaceutical setting with a background in Quantitative Biochemistry, Cell and/or Molecular Biology, or closely related field.
• Track record of developing, implementing, and performing novel or existing biochemical or cell-based screening assays in 96/384/1536-well density to support early drug discovery research.
• Solid background with various assay technologies including luminescence, fluorescence, AlphaScreen, HTRF, or similar.
• Cell culture expertise, including passaging, transfection, clonal selection, mass production, and cryo-banking.
• Proficiency with liquid handling equipment (e.g., Echo, Bravo, BioTek plate washer, Tempest, GNF Washer-Dispenser II or similar), detection instrumentation (e.g., Envision, MSD, Agilent’s Rapidfire (RF)-QQQ and RF-QTOF MS system, Phytronix Luxon-Sciex triple TOF MS, MALDI TOF MS) and ability to troubleshoot such instrumentation.
• Experience in the development of SPE-MS, LC-MS, LC-MS/MS and MALDI methods for MS-based biochemical and cell assays to quantify a variety of analytes of interest, characterize protein-small molecule adducts and identify small molecule binders in affinity selection mass spectrometry (ASMS) screening campaign.
• Familiarity with software and statistical platforms for the analysis of large datasets (e.g., Genedata Screener and Spotfire).
• Fluency with GraphPad PRISM, Excel, Word & PowerPoint or similar software.
• A deep understanding of mechanistic enzymology for characterization of protein-ligand interactions.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for the timely documentation, presentation, and discussion of science-based results and strategy in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary, team-based 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, including remote and hybrid work arrangements, where possible

Apply now

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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.

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.