Principal Scientist

Amgen • South San Francisco, CA

5d

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. Principal Scientist What you will do Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. In this vital role you will build, optimize, and scale the molecular characterization engines behind our GEM platform—bringing rigor, innovation, and technical leadership to the science that powers our research pipeline.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree PhD OR PharmD OR MD and 2 years of experience in genetically engineered models (GEM), genotyping, and molecular characterization OR Master’s degree and 5 years of experience in genetically engineered models (GEM), genotyping, and molecular characterization OR Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of experience in genetically engineered models (GEM), genotyping, and molecular characterization

Nice To Haves

• Strong hands-on expertise in: CRISPR genome engineering and complex model generation ddPCR, qPCR, and long-read sequencing (e.g., Oxford Nanopore Technologies) NGS workflows and genomic analysis
• Demonstrated experience supporting generation and characterization of complex GEM models (KO, KI, conditional, multi-allelic, transgenic) using CRISPR and/or ES cell-based approaches.
• Experience with automation platforms and high-throughput screening workflows (e.g., Beckman, Tecan, acoustic dispensing).
• Proven ability to contribute to lab workflow development, infrastructure setup, and process optimization.
• Experience working with CROs and cross-functional teams in a research environment.
• Proficiency with Benchling or similar ELN/LIMS platforms.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience supporting generation and characterization of complex GEM models (KO, KI, conditional, multi-allelic, transgenic) using CRISPR and/or ES cell-based approaches.
• Experience with automation platforms and high-throughput screening workflows (e.g., Beckman, Tecan, acoustic dispensing).
• Proven ability to contribute to lab workflow development, infrastructure setup, and process optimization.
• Experience working with CROs and cross-functional teams in a research environment.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute genotyping and characterization assays using ddPCR, qPCR, long-read sequencing (ONT), and NGS platforms.
• Develop and implement validation strategies, including: o Off-target analysis (e.g., CRISPR specificity, rhAmpSeq or similar approaches) o Copy number variation (CNV) and zygosity determination o Structural variant and insertion site mapping o Allele configuration confirmation across model types
• Perform comprehensive characterization of GEMs, including CRISPR-engineered knockout, knock-in, conditional, large insertions, and complex multi-gene models.
• Integrate molecular and sequencing data to generate high-confidence conclusions and support delivery of fully characterized, high-quality models.
• Drive implementation and optimization of high-throughput workflows, including liquid handling automation and integrated genotyping pipelines.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies to enhance model characterization, throughput, and data quality.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of genotyping pipelines and sequencing-based workflows.
• Collaborate with bioinformatics and data teams, where applicable, to support data analysis workflows.
• Apply technical expertise to the setup, optimization, and troubleshooting of key instrumentation platforms (e.g., ddPCR systems, ONT platforms, fragment analyzers, automation systems).
• Contribute to development and maintenance of SOPs, instrument logs, and performance tracking.
• Contribute to building scalable lab infrastructure to support increasing GEM portfolio complexity.
• Work closely with the GEM Lead to support execution of the GEM platform and associated workflows.
• Collaborate with Comparative Medicine, Therapeutic Areas, Functional Genomics, and external CROs to ensure coordination of activities.
• Act as a scientific resource to cross-functional teams in support of model validation strategies and risk assessment.
• Communicate clearly and proactively to support alignment on timelines, deliverables, and workflow dependencies.
• Support implementation of sample tracking, data management, and reporting systems (e.g., Benchling or equivalent ELN platforms).
• Ensure accurate documentation and traceability from experimental design through model validation.
• Contribute to defining QC checkpoints that maintain scientific standards and reduce downstream risk.
• Share expertise and contribute to training of lab personnel in genotyping and molecular workflows.
• Contribute to development of best practices and standardized workflows.
• Contribute to scientific and technical documentation (e.g., study reports, internal documentation, or publications) as appropriate.
• Ensure work aligns with animal welfare considerations and 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).
• Contribute to optimization of workflows to improve efficiency and minimize unnecessary animal use.

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: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree