Head of Lead Discovery & Targeted Protein Degradation
Head of Lead Discovery & Targeted Protein Degradation
US - California - Thousand Oaks APLICAR AHORAJOIN 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.
Head of Lead Discovery & Targeted Protein Degradation
Live
What you will do
Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. In this vital role as The Lead Discovery & Targeted Protein Degradation Executive Director (LDTPD) you will be responsible for advancing small molecule projects across all research therapeutic areas through innovative screening, bioassay, and TPD approaches, by delivering high-quality leads and supporting Medicinal Chemistry lead optimization toward clinical candidate nomination.
The LDTPD executive director will be a member of the Small Molecule Therapeutic Discovery (SMTD) senior leadership team, and will report into Vice President, Research, SMTD.
Responsibilities:
Leads the LDTPD function (~45 FTEs) within SMTD to develop and deliver screening platforms and bioassays (biochemical, cell-based, MS, etc) to progress ~20-25 small molecule and heterobifunctional small molecule programs across all 4 of Amgen’s Research TAs
Integrates the deliverables of 4 sub-functions located across 2 US sites - Automated Screening Platforms, Bioassay, TPD Biology and TPD Biochemistry - to maintain a portfolio of at least 10 screening projects, while also supporting a portfolio of early and late optimization programs
Collaborates closely with our DNA-encoded library (DEL) center of excellence in Amgen Research Copenhagen (ARC) and the Induced Proximity Platform (IPP) Innovation team in the newly formed Data, Advanced Technologies, and AI (DATA) group to support lead identification and characterization for both small molecule and heterobifunctional small molecule programs
Collaborates closely with the Medicinal Chemistry teams to ensure high-quality bioassays are available for the Design-Make-Test Analyze cycles through prioritized resourcing of Med Chem Workbench based on each project’s required assay cascade
Aligns early project portfolio needs with VPs/AVPs across Research, including Research TA VPs and Discovery Protein Sciences AVP and chairs the Small Molecule Assay Strategy Meeting to deliver those priorities
Ensures data integrity, capture and retention in compliance with corporate guidelines, particularly due to the volume generated in this screening group
Aligns group’s operational plans with Amgen’s strategic goals and Research strategy
Continuously refines hit discovery strategies to take advantage of state-of-the art technologies to identify hits for difficult-to-drug targets
Works seamlessly across functions to deliver small molecule discovery programs
Achieves portfolio impact through leadership management of a strong scientific team including project points-of-contact for Discovery and Screening programs
Proactively engages TA leaders to evaluate target opportunities
Stays abreast of industry trends regarding hit/lead discovery technologies and continuously evaluates and elevates Amgen’s competitive position
Possesses a record of scientific technical innovation in hit discovery/hit-to-lead and small molecule drug discovery
Successfully manages large groups of senior individuals across sites
Builds high-performing, efficient teams known for delivering high quality small molecule hits and leads in a timely manner while living the Amgen values
Acts as an advisor and role model to junior scientific staff members and peers
Win
What we expect of you
We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The candidate we seek is an experienced leader with the following qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
Doctorate degree & 6 years of small molecule lead discovery & targeted protein degradation experience OR
Master’s degree & 10 years of small molecule lead discovery & targeted protein degradation experience OR
Bachelor’s degree & 12 years of small molecule lead discovery & targeted protein degradation experience AND
6 years of managerial experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs or directing the allocation of resources
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or related fields
Minimum of 15 years of experience in Small Molecule Lead Discovery within biopharma, with at least 10 years of experience managing people and projects
Proven track record of scientific innovation and accomplishment in Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Targeted Protein Degradation, as demonstrated by experience in advancing novel drug discovery programs from hit-finding to preclinical evaluation, a strong publication record and presentations at leading conferences
Deep understanding of lead discovery strategies, bioassay platforms and screening technologies applied to both small molecule and heterobifunctional small molecule lead discovery
Specific understanding of ubiquitin biology, protein degradation, and proximity-based therapeutics and the emerging technologies being directed at hard to drug targets, such as protein degradation
Broadly experienced in small molecule drug discovery and development, across multiple TA areas, with demonstrated success in hit identification and lead discovery, including for targeted protein degradation
Possesses broad knowledge of all stages of the small molecule discovery process and deep expertise in the Discovery and Screening phases
Recognized as a small molecule drug discovery SME for bioassay, screening and TPD approaches and represents Amgen as such in the external scientific community
Highly experienced in small molecule hit discovery for all target classes
Experienced in leading, mentoring and developing the careers of a diverse and talented team
Ability to build strong and productive relationships with peers and cross-functional partners
They will also embody the Amgen leadership attributes which are:
Inspire: Create a connected, inclusive, and inspiring work environment that empowers talent to thrive
Accelerate: Enable speed that matches the urgency of patient needs by encouraging progress over perfection
Integrate: Connect the dots to amplify the collective power of Amgen to drive results for patients, staff, and shareholders
Adapt: Lead through change by adapting to an ever-changing environment and defining a clear course of action to deliver results
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 annual base salary range for this opportunity in the U.S. is $286,253 - $329,063.
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:
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 and bi-annual company-wide shutdowns
Flexible work models, including remote work arrangements, where possible
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 with 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 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.