Director - Oncology Research

Amgen • South San Francisco, CA

8d • $208,354 - $281,890

About The Position

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. 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. Director – Oncology Research. What you will do. Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. Amgen is a leader in the discovery and development of innovative cancer therapeutics. The Oncology Research team seeks a Director of Research to develop and lead a portfolio of antibody-based therapeutics for solid tumors. In this role, you will work cross-functionally to implement and advance next-generation approaches for cancer therapeutics. The ideal candidate will have direct experience leading oncology T-cell engager programs from discovery to development candidate nomination, with experience using translational biology approaches to inform clinical development. A deep and broad understanding of cancer cell biology, including human genetics, cell growth signaling pathways, mechanisms of response and resistance, and translational pharmacology will be essential. You will be responsible to lead project teams and external collaborations, as well as to inspire and develop a creative, dedicated research team. You will be an exceptional scientific leader who can translate strategy to execution in a fast-paced, changing matrixed environment. This role has the potential for high visibility within Amgen and externally.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field [and relevant post-doc where applicable] and 4 years of directly related experience OR Master’s degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field [and relevant post-doc where applicable] and 8 years of directly related experience OR Bachelor’s degree in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field [and relevant post-doc where applicable] and 10 years of directly related experience
• At least 4 years experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs, or directing the allocation or resources. Your managerial experience may run concurrently with the required technical experience referenced above

Nice To Haves

• Doctoral degree in a Cancer Biology, Cell Biology or related field with at least 12 years industry experience following completion of postdoctoral training.
• Demonstrated experience leading drug discovery and development programs through IND/CTA-enabling activities, with strong experience in large-molecule therapeutics and understanding of the preclinical data sets required for development candidate nomination.
• Deep understanding of oncology and tumor biology; expertise in NSCLC or lung cancer biology is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of antibody engineering approaches, with direct experience designing and evaluating modalities including T-cell engagers and antibody-drug conjugates.
• Established record of building, mentoring, and leading high-performing research teams.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear strategic recommendations.
• Demonstrated scientific impact through publications, patents, invited presentations, or other external recognition.
• Demonstrated ability to use AI/ML to accelerate research and translational biology.

Responsibilities

• Lead preclinical research for T cell engager focused on identification of novel target opportunities, prioritization of discovery investments, and implementation of next-generation target discovery approaches.
• Build and lead a portfolio of innovative research programs focused on bispecific antibodies.
• Lead a team of project leaders and lab-based scientists to; create an inclusive high-performing environment that enables new target discovery, rigorous science and efficient execution.
• Lead cross-functional teams and engage key internal partners to integrate tumor biology, target validation, translational research, therapeutic modality considerations, and portfolio strategy.
• Establish productive external scientific collaborations and contribute to evaluation of external opportunities, including business development diligence.
• Partner effectively with peers across research and development to advance new science and integrate technology with tumor cell biology, including application of AI/ML approaches to target and biology evaluation.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree