Head of Lead Discovery & Targeted Protein Degradation

Head Of Lead Discovery & Targeted Protein Degradation

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 missionto serve patients living with serious illnessesdrives 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.

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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role as The Lead Discovery & Targeted Protein Degradation Executive Director (LDTPD) you will be responsible for advancing small molecule projects across all research therapeutic areas through innovative screening, bioassay, and TPD approaches, by delivering high-quality leads and supporting Medicinal Chemistry lead optimization toward clinical candidate nomination.

The LDTPD executive director will be a member of the Small Molecule Therapeutic Discovery (SMTD) senior leadership team, and will report into Vice President, Research, SMTD.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

Leads the LDTPD function (~45 FTEs) within SMTD to develop and deliver screening platforms and bioassays (biochemical, cell-based, MS, etc) to progress ~20-25 small molecule and heterobifunctional small molecule programs across all 4 of Amgen's Research TAs

Integrates the deliverables of 4 sub-functions located across 2 US sites - Automated Screening Platforms, Bioassay, TPD Biology and TPD Biochemistry - to maintain a portfolio of at least 10 screening projects, while also supporting a portfolio of early and late optimization programs

Collaborates closely with our DNA-encoded library (DEL) center of excellence in Amgen Research Copenhagen (ARC) and the Induced Proximity Platform (IPP) Innovation team in the newly formed Data, Advanced Technologies, and AI (DATA) group to support lead identification and characterization for both small molecule and heterobifunctional small molecule programs

Collaborates closely with the Medicinal Chemistry teams to ensure high-quality bioassays are available for the Design-Make-Test Analyze cycles through prioritized resourcing of Med Chem Workbench based on each project's required assay cascade

Aligns early project portfolio needs with VPs / AVPs across Research, including Research TA VPs and Discovery Protein Sciences AVP and chairs the Small Molecule Assay Strategy Meeting to deliver those priorities

Ensures data integrity, capture and retention in compliance with corporate guidelines, particularly due to the volume generated in this screening group

Aligns group's operational plans with Amgen's strategic goals and Research strategy

Continuously refines hit discovery strategies to take advantage of state-of-the art technologies to identify hits for difficult-to-drug targets

Works seamlessly across functions to deliver small molecule discovery programs

Achieves portfolio impact through leadership management of a strong scientific team including project points-of-contact for Discovery and Screening programs

Proactively engages TA leaders to evaluate target opportunities

Stays abreast of industry trends regarding hit / lead discovery technologies and continuously evaluates and elevates Amgen's competitive position

Possesses a record of scientific technical innovation in hit discovery / hit-to-lead and small molecule drug discovery

Successfully manages large groups of senior individuals across sites

Builds high-performing, efficient teams known for delivering high quality small molecule hits and leads in a timely manner while living the Amgen values

Acts as an advisor and role model to junior scientific staff members and peers

WIN

WHAT WE EXPECT OF YOU

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The candidate we seek is an experienced leader with the following qualifications.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS :

Doctorate degree & 6 years of small molecule lead discovery & targeted protein degradation experience OR

Master's degree & 10 years of small molecule lead discovery & targeted protein degradation experience OR

Bachelor's degree & 12 years of small molecule lead discovery & targeted protein degradation experience AND

6 years of managerial experience directly managing people and / or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs or directing the allocation of resources

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or related fields

Minimum of 15 years of experience in Small Molecule Lead Discovery within biopharma, with at least 10 years of experience managing people and projects

Proven track record of scientific innovation and accomplishment in Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Targeted Protein Degradation, as demonstrated by experience in advancing novel drug discovery programs from hit-finding to preclinical evaluation, a strong publication record and presentations at leading conferences

Deep understanding of lead discovery strategies, bioassay platforms and screening technologies applied to both small molecule and heterobifunctional small molecule lead discovery

Specific understanding of ubiquitin biology, protein degradation, and proximity-based therapeutics and the emerging technologies being directed at hard to drug targets, such as protein degradation

Broadly experienced in small molecule drug discovery and development, across multiple TA areas, with demonstrated success in hit identification and lead discovery, including for targeted protein degradation

Possesses broad knowledge of all stages of the small molecule discovery process and deep expertise in the Discovery and Screening phases

Recognized as a small molecule drug discovery SME for bioassay, screening and TPD approaches and represents Amgen as such in the external scientific community

Highly experienced in small molecule hit discovery for all target classes

Experienced in leading, mentoring and developing the careers of a diverse and talented team

Ability to build strong and productive relationships with peers and cross-functional partners

They will also embody the Amgen leadership attributes which are :

Inspire : Create a connected, inclusive, and inspiring work environment that empowers talent to thrive

Accelerate : Enable speed that matches the urgency of patient needs by encouraging progress over perfection

Integrate : Connect the dots to amplify the collective power of Amgen to drive results for patients, staff, and shareholders

Adapt : Lead through change by adapting to an ever-changing environment and defining a clear course of action to deliver results

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT OF US

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being.

From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.

The annual base salary range for this opportunity in the U.S. is $286,253 - $329,063.

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