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Microbial Discovery Group Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role will also help implement novel molecular techniques and contribute to discovery and ... Work with diverse microbial plant pathogens, with a focus on fungal and oomycete pathogens such as ...

Company Description About AbbVie AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines ... Performs microbial control cleaning procedures that must comply with current Good Manufacturing ...

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Microbial Discovery Group information

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$34.5K

$70.6K

$126K

How much do microbial discovery group jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for microbial discovery group in the United States is $70,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microbiologist at a Microbial Discovery Group, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microbiologist in a Microbial Discovery Group, you need a solid background in microbiology, molecular biology, and laboratory research, typically supported by a relevant degree such as a BSc, MSc, or PhD. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, microbial culturing techniques, PCR, sequencing technologies, and data analysis software is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork help drive innovation and ensure reliable results. These competencies are crucial for advancing microbial research, developing new products, and maintaining rigorous scientific standards.

What is a Microbial Discovery Group?

A Microbial Discovery Group is a team or division within a research organization or biotechnology company focused on identifying, isolating, and characterizing new microorganisms. These groups play a crucial role in discovering microbes that can be used in various applications, such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environmental remediation, and industrial processes. Their work involves collecting samples, culturing microorganisms, conducting genetic and biochemical analyses, and evaluating potential uses for beneficial microbes.

What are some of the main challenges faced when working in a Microbial Discovery Group, and how can new team members prepare to overcome them?

Working in a Microbial Discovery Group often involves navigating complex research projects where priorities can shift quickly due to new scientific findings or business needs. One major challenge is adapting to rapidly changing project scopes while maintaining rigorous experimental standards. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams—such as microbiologists, chemists, and data scientists—is essential, so strong communication skills are important. New team members can prepare by staying flexible, proactively seeking feedback, and building a solid understanding of both laboratory techniques and data analysis tools commonly used in microbial discovery.
More about Microbial Discovery Group jobs
What cities are hiring for Microbial Discovery Group jobs? Cities with the most Microbial Discovery Group job openings:
What states have the most Microbial Discovery Group jobs? States with the most job openings for Microbial Discovery Group jobs include:
Infographic showing various Microbial Discovery Group job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,647 per year, or $34 per hour.
Principal Scientist - Lead Discovery and Targeted Protein Degradation Biochemistry

Principal Scientist - Lead Discovery and Targeted Protein Degradation Biochemistry

Amgen

Thousand Oaks, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Principal Scientist – Lead Discovery and Targeted Protein Degradation Biochemistry

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. 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, 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.

What You Will Do

Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. In this role, you will lead protein reagent generation and biochemical assay development to support challenging drug discovery campaigns, including induced proximity and targeted protein degradation (TPD) programs.

We are seeking an exceptional scientist with deep expertise in protein biochemistry and mechanistic assay development. The successful candidate will lead a small team and provide scientific leadership across drug discovery programs from hit identification through validation and optimization. Within LD-TPD, this role will develop and execute strategies for protein production, biochemical and biophysical assay development, and mechanistic characterization to support the discovery and advancement of novel small-molecule therapeutics.

  • Lead protein expression, purification, and characterization strategies for challenging proteins to enable the discovery of novel small-molecule therapeutics.
  • Develop and implement biochemical and biophysical assays to support hit identification, validation, optimization, and mechanism-of-action studies.
  • Serve as a key scientific partner to cross-functional discovery teams, providing technical expertise across a growing portfolio of small-molecule therapeutics.
  • Lead and develop a small team of scientists, providing scientific direction and mentorship.
  • Contribute to scientific strategy and communicate findings to project teams and leadership as appropriate.
What We Expect Of You

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The successful professional we seek is an exceptional scientist with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications
  • Doctorate degree (PhD) in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Structural Biology, Protein Engineering or a related field and 2 years of relevant industry experience in drug discovery OR
  • Master’s degree and 5 years of relevant industry experience in drug discovery OR
  • Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of relevant industry experience in drug discovery
Preferred Qualifications
  • Proven expertise in protein purification and biochemical assay development for challenging targets.
  • Extensive experience in protein expression across mammalian, insect, and microbial systems.
  • Strong background in biochemical and biophysical approaches to interrogate target engagement, protein-protein interactions, and small molecule mechanism-of-action.
  • Expertise in protein engineering, including construct design, mutagenesis, and expression optimization to support biochemical and structural studies.
  • Hands‑on experience developing and optimizing biochemical and biophysical assays, including TR‑FRET/HTRF, fluorescence polarization (FP), AlphaLISA, and BLI/SPR‑based approaches.
  • Familiarity with targeted protein degradation (TPD) and induced proximity modalities.
  • Track record of effective collaboration within cross‑functional discovery teams and managing priorities across multiple discovery programs.
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.

Benefits
  • 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.
Sponsorship

Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.

EEO Statement

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.

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