Scientific Associate Director, Oncology Research

Amgen • South San Francisco, CA

1d • $190,952 - $258,346

About The Position

Amgen is seeking a Scientific Associate Director to develop and lead a portfolio of antibody-based large-molecule therapeutics for solid tumors. The role works across Research and Development to advance next-generation cancer therapeutic approaches, with a focus on oncology T-cell engager (TCE) and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programs from discovery through development candidate nomination. The position applies translational biology to inform clinical development and requires broad understanding of cancer cell biology, including human genetics, tumor-cell signaling, mechanisms of response and resistance, and translational pharmacology.

The successful candidate leads project teams and external collaborations, shapes discovery strategy, and develops a creative research team. The role requires scientific leadership that translates strategy into execution, influences cross-functional decisions, and delivers results in a fast-paced, evolving matrixed environment.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree (PhD), PharmD, or MD with relevant postdoctoral training where applicable, and 4 years of experience in the job code’s discipline and/or sub-discipline; alternatively, a master’s degree and 7 years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree and 9 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading at least one oncology TCE and/or ADC program from target discovery through development candidate nomination or an equivalent major discovery milestone.
• Deep knowledge of solid-tumor biology; experience in pancreatic cancer or other treatment-resistant solid tumors is strongly preferred.
• Expertise in human cancer genetics, oncogenic signaling, tumor dependencies, tumor–immune biology, mechanisms of response and resistance, and translational pharmacology.
• Experience building rigorous target-validation packages using genetic, cellular, biochemical, in vivo, and human evidence.
• Strong understanding of antibody-based therapeutic discovery, particularly TCEs and/or ADCs, and working knowledge of protein engineering, pharmacology, safety assessment, biomarker development, and clinical-development considerations.
• Ability to define decision-enabling experiments and success and stop criteria, interpret complex datasets, and translate evidence into balanced program and portfolio recommendations.
• Proven success leading cross-functional teams in a matrixed drug-discovery environment and managing, mentoring, and developing scientists within inclusive, high-performing teams.
• Ability to lead through change while balancing scientific rigor, speed, and portfolio impact.
• Track record of external collaboration, scientific diligence, and influential scientific communication, supported by publications, patents, invited presentations, or recognition as a subject-matter expert.

Nice To Haves

• PhD or equivalent doctoral training in cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology, genetics, translational medicine, or a related discipline.
• Experience in pancreatic cancer or other treatment-resistant solid tumors.
• Publications, patents, invited presentations, or recognition as a subject-matter expert.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead preclinical research strategies for TCE and ADC therapies, identifying novel target opportunities, prioritizing discovery investments, and advancing programs toward development candidate nomination.
• Build and execute a cell-surface target discovery, prioritization, and validation strategy for pancreatic cancer to establish a portfolio of first-in-class TCE and ADC therapies.
• Serve as Project Team Lead for Oncology portfolio programs; set objectives and decision criteria, integrate cross-functional input, monitor milestones, and adapt strategy as new data emerges.
• Lead integrated cross-functional research plans across tumor biology, target validation, translational research, protein engineering, pharmacology, safety, clinical development, and commercial strategy.
• Apply translational biology to define patient populations, biomarkers, mechanisms of response and resistance, and development strategies, while anticipating and resolving scientific and programmatic challenges.
• Lead and develop lab-based scientists and foster an inclusive, high-performing environment that supports rigorous science, efficient execution, informed risk-taking, and professional growth.
• Shape Oncology Research strategy by identifying scientific and industry trends, proposing investment opportunities, and integrating computational biology and AI/ML into target discovery, biological validation, and portfolio decisions.
• Establish external scientific collaborations and evaluate external innovation through scientific diligence in support of business-development and partnering opportunities.
• Communicate scientific strategy, evidence, risks, and recommendations to project teams, governance bodies, senior management, collaborators, and external scientific audiences.
• Lead development of governance materials, technical reports, publications, presentations, and patent applications.

Benefits

• 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.
• Discretionary annual bonus program, or a sales-based incentive plan for field sales representatives.
• Stock-based long-term incentives.
• Award-winning time-off plans.
• Flexible work models where possible.
• Health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents.
• Financial plans with opportunities to save toward retirement or other goals.
• Work/life balance and career development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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