Principal Scientist – Chemical Biology & Proximity-Based Therapeutics
About The Position
Amgen's 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 protein–protein 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.
Requirements
- 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 Master’s degree in Chemical Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field and 5 years of relevant industry experience OR Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field and 7 years of relevant industry experience
Nice To Haves
- 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
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
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
- Stock-based long-term incentives
- Award-winning time-off plans
- Flexible work models where possible
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
