Scientist - Protein Biochemist

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.

Scientist - Protein Biochemist

What you will do

Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join the Structural Biology Department at our Thousand Oaks, CA location. The Structural Biology laboratory plays a key role in providing comprehensive molecular insights and structure-based design for drug-target assessment, mechanism of action, protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions, and protein engineering. These efforts facilitate drug discovery across various therapeutic areas.

In this vital role you will be responsible for designing, planning, and executing the generation of key enabling reagents that support the structure determination of target molecules via X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). You will collaborate closely with structural biologists within the group and contribute to advancing our drug discovery efforts. The ideal candidate must possess flexibility in applying their knowledge to new areas of study and have strong interpersonal and communication skills to thrive in a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Protein Biochemistry: Be actively involved in the design and execution of molecular cloning and protein expression strategies with the Amgen Discovery Protein Science team or CROs; design and execute purification strategies to support the structure determination of drug targets.
• Collaborative Support: Work closely with structural biologists to generate high-quality protein samples for structural biology techniques, particularly X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM.
• Method Development: Develop and optimize purification protocols and reagents, ensuring high protein purity, homogeneity, and stability for structural studies.
• Characterization and Quality Control: Use biochemical and biophysical techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE, Western blot, spectrophotometry, SEC-MALS, SPR, mass spectrometry) to assess protein quality and stability. Collaborate with team members to provide mechanistic insights into the mechanism of action (MOA) of proteins involved in the associated proteins.
• Project Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed within timelines while meeting high-quality standards.
• Team Communication: Present research findings effectively in both written and oral formats for internal teams and external collaborators.
• Innovative Thinking: Continuously troubleshoot and optimize experimental workflows, applying creative solutions to overcome challenges in protein production and purification.

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 collaborative scientist with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

Doctorate degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, or a related field

Or

Master’s degree and 2 years of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, or a related field experience

Or

Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, or a related field experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with microbial systems (e.g., E. coli or yeast) or cell culture (mammalian or insect cells) for protein expression.
• Hands-on experience with biochemical analytical techniques such as spectrophotometry, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, SEC-MALS, SPR, and basic mass spectrometry.
• Familiarity with chromatography systems (e.g., Cytiva AKTA, Agilent HPLC) and related software.
• Expertise in protein purification methods, including affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction (HIC), and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC).
• Experience with biophysical characterization of protein complexes, including techniques like dynamic light scattering (DLS) and analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC).
• Strong knowledge of protein stability, folding, and quality control for structural studies.
• Excellent presentation skills (written and oral) to effectively communicate research results to both scientific and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects efficiently.

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, including remote and hybrid work arrangements, where possible

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.

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.