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Principal Scientist Lead Discovery and Targeted Protein Degradation Biochemistry What you will do

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.

The successful candidate will:

• 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.
• Masters degree and 5 years of relevant industry experience in drug discovery.
• Bachelors 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

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.

Equal Opportunity / Accommodation

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.