Principal Scientist Chemical Biology & Proximity-Based Therapeutics
- Employer
- Amgen
- Location
- Thousand Oaks, California
- Posted date
- Sep 28, 2026
View more categories
- Discipline
- Science/R&D, Biology, Biotechnology
- Required Education
- Doctorate/PHD/MD
- Position Type
- Full time
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Job Details
Join Amgens Mission of Serving Patients
At Amgen, if you feel like youre part of something bigger, its because you are. Our shared missionto serve patients living with serious illnessesdrives all that we do.
Since 1980, weve helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the worlds toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, youll 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, youll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.
R-251294 Principal Scientist Chemical Biology & Proximity-Based Therapeutics
What you will do
Lets do this. Lets change the world. Amgens Induced Proximity Platform (IPP) is advancing a growing portfolio of therapeutic opportunities that leverage proximity biology to access previously undruggable targets. Through the discovery of small molecules that induce or stabilize proteinprotein interactions, IPP is expanding the range of mechanisms and targets addressable by drug discovery.
We are seeking an exceptional Principal Scientist to lead discovery efforts at the intersection of chemical biology, induced proximity, and phenotypic drug discovery. This role will focus on molecular glue discovery in disease-relevant systems, combining phenotypic screening, chemical genetics, and mechanistic biology to uncover novel therapeutic opportunities.
Within IPP, this role will contribute to advancing molecular glue discovery and broader induced proximity approaches through integrated phenotypic and mechanism-driven strategies.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead discovery efforts using phenotypic screening and chemical genetics approaches to identify novel proximity-driven mechanisms
Develop and apply disease-relevant cellular models to uncover actionable biology
Integrate chemical biology and mechanistic studies to translate phenotypic findings into drug discovery programs
Contribute to a growing portfolio of induced proximity-based therapeutic opportunities
Design and implement phenotypic screening strategies to enable discovery of molecular glues and proximity-based modulators
Develop and apply disease-relevant cellular models to capture functional biology
Build and optimize high-content and high-throughput assays, including imaging-based and multi-parametric readouts
Apply chemical genetics approaches to interrogate biological pathways and support target identification and validation
Integrate chemical biology and mechanistic studies to elucidate compound mode of action, including induced proximity and protein interaction networks
Partner with cross-functional teams to advance discoveries from screening through early drug discovery
Leverage omics, and data-driven approaches to extract insights from complex phenotypic datasets
Contribute to scientific strategy, present findings, and mentor team members as appropriate
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 Chemical Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field [and relevant post-doc where applicable] and 2 years of relevant industry experience
OR
Masters degree in Chemical Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field and 5 years of relevant industry experience
OR
Bachelors degree in Chemical Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field and 7 years of relevant industry experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Strong expertise in chemical biology and small molecule discovery, with experience in proximity-based mechanisms, molecular glues, or related areas
Demonstrated experience developing and executing phenotypic screening assays, including high-content or high-throughput platforms
Experience working with disease-relevant cellular models
Strong background in mechanism-of-action studies using cellular and molecular biology approaches
Proven ability to integrate biology and chemistry to drive discovery efforts
Track record of scientific contributions (publications, patents, presentations)
Excellent collaboration and communication skills in a matrixed research environment
Experience with chemical genetics approaches in phenotypic discovery
Familiarity with proteomics, transcriptomics, or systems biology approaches
Experience supporting target identification or deconvolution from phenotypic screens
Exposure to induced proximity or targeted protein degradation concepts
Experience contributing to or leading cross-functional discovery teams
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, well 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.
careers.amgen.com
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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.
Company
We are all different, yet we have this in common: our mission to serve patients. This sense of shared purpose is key to our becoming one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies. It guides us as we continue to launch new medicines and reach millions of patients worldwide.
We live the mission.
We win together.
We thrive on continual challenge.
Our team of 22,000+ scientists and professionals worldwide bring distinct perspectives and experiences to all we do. We leverage our global talent to achieve together—to research, manufacture and deliver ever-better products and greater depth to our mission.
At Amgen, there is a strong correlation between our high level of diversity and performance. Because addressing issues with a wider range of perspectives and approaches leads to more creative problem-solving. Together, we’re transforming the promise of science and biotechnology into therapies that have the power to restore health.
Connect with us to explore how you can Win, Live, and Thrive at Amgen.
- Phone
- 805-447-1000
- Location
- Corporate Headquarters
One Amgen Center Drive
Thousand Oaks
California
91320-1799
