Senior Principal Scientist – Discovery Chemistry

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.

Job Summary

The Discovery Chemistry Group Leader will provide scientific and strategic leadership to a synthetic chemistry research team focused on making intermediates and analogs in support of our drug discovery efforts. This role is accountable for designing and executing research strategies that support pipeline progression, innovation, and scientific excellence within Amgen’s Small Molecules portfolio. The Discovery Chemistry Group Leader will mentor scientists, drive cross-functional collaboration, and ensure that chemistry efforts align with organizational priorities.

In your daily work, you will:

• Lead project teams to meet program goals.
• Develop and implement robust synthetic strategies to access analogs and intermediates on scales ranging from milligrams to kilograms.
• Oversee experimental design and data generation. Interpret results, author technical protocols and reports.
• Collaborate with the Medicinal Chemistry and Synthetics Separation teams to ensure seamless execution of discovery chemistry projects
• Contribute to resource allocation and project planning
• Represent the group in project reviews and scientific discussions.  
• Provide mentorship to staff for technical growth and career development
• Recruit and retain top scientific talent
• Stay abreast of emerging scientific trends, technologies, and competitor activities.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 12+ years of Scientific experience; Or 

• Doctorate degree PhD and 8+ years of Scientific experience 

Preferred qualifications

• PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry with extensive experience performing independent scientific research

• Minimum of ~15 years of industry research experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership or people management role.
• Proven record of scientific innovation and project delivery in a discovery chemistry environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading discovery chemistry teams and collaborating across various research functions.

• Strong background in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
• Ability to translate complex scientific data into actionable insights and development strategies.
• Exceptional leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in managing multiple priorities and driving results in a dynamic research environment.