Amgen Inc

Executive Director, Frontier AI

Amgen Inc$303K — $410K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Doctorate degree & 6 years of frontier AI experience OR
  • Master's degree & 10 years of frontier AI experience OR
  • Bachelor's degree & 12 years of frontier AI experience AND
  • 6 years of managerial experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs or directing resource allocation.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of Amgen's Frontier AI strategy and capabilities.
  • Manage portfolio prioritization including investment recommendations across AI disciplines.
  • Ensure effective governance of AI activities with a focus on responsible practices and risk mitigation.
  • Foster external partnerships for research collaborations and innovative technology applications.
  • Provide executive-level oversight of AI performance metrics and strategic initiatives.
  • Cultivate a high-performing team of AI professionals while promoting technical excellence.
  • Align cross-functionally with multiple stakeholders to drive AI integration and development.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive employee benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Generous retirement savings plan with company contributions.
  • Annual discretionary bonus program and long-term stock incentives.
  • Award-winning time-off plans including bi-annual company-wide shutdowns.
  • Flexible work models where applicable to support work-life balance.
Full Job Description
Career Category
Information Systems
Job Description

Executive Director, Frontier AI

What you will do

Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role as the Executive Director, Frontier AI you will be responsible for frontier AI strategy and the roadmap aligned to Amgen's business, scientific, and technology priorities. You will also deliver scalable frontier AI capabilities that enable measurable impact across priority use cases.

Responsibilities:
  • Portfolio prioritization and investment recommendations across reinforcement learning, multi-modal AI, model architectures, academic partnerships, and quantum AI/ML.
  • Effective governance of frontier AI activities, including responsible AI, privacy, regulatory, and model-risk considerations, in partnership with CDT for frontier AI security, adversarial resilience, model assurance, and high-risk deployment governance
  • External partnership outcomes, including research collaborations, talent pipelines, publications, prototypes, and applied innovation opportunities.
  • Executive-level visibility into frontier AI performance, including KPIs, adoption, risks, return on investment, and strategic dependencies.
  • Development and retention of top AI talent, including a strong leadership bench and culture of technical excellence.
  • Cross-functional alignment with AI & Data Science, Technology, Security, R&D, Operations, Commercial, Legal, Compliance, Privacy, and Security stakeholders.
  • Define and lead Amgen's Frontier AI strategy across foundation models, multi-modal AI, advanced model architecture, academic partnerships, and quantum AI/ML.
  • Build and maintain an enterprise roadmap that translates emerging AI research into scalable, high-value capabilities for R&D, Operations, Commercial, and corporate functions.
  • Lead the development and application of frontier AI capabilities, including foundation models, multi-modal systems, simulation-based learning, and reinforcement learning approaches.
  • Identify and prioritize high-impact use cases where frontier AI can improve scientific discovery, decision-making, productivity, and operational performance.
  • Partner with AI platform, data engineering, architecture, product, domain teams, and CDT to ensure frontier AI solutions are designed for scale, reliability, security, resilience, and operational governance
  • Establish technical standards for model architecture evaluation, experimentation, benchmarking, model validation, and production readiness.
  • Develop Amgen's academic and external research partnership strategy, including collaborations with leading universities, research labs, vendors, and scientific AI organizations.
  • Evaluate emerging opportunities in quantum AI/ML and quantum-enabled optimization, identifying practical applications aligned to Amgen's scientific and business priorities.
  • Oversee proof-of-concept, pilot, and production pathways for frontier AI solutions, ensuring appropriate governance, documentation, monitoring, lifecycle management, and joint review processes with CDT for high-risk and security-sensitive deployments
  • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing frontier AI organization, including leaders and technical experts across reinforcement learning, multi-modal AI, model architecture, and quantum AI/ML.
  • Communicate frontier AI strategy, progress, risks, investment needs, and outcomes to senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
  • Partner closely with CDT for adversarial testing, operational resilience requirements, and security assurance for high-risk AI capabilities


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 frontier AI experience OR
  • Master's degree & 10 years of frontier AI experience OR
  • Bachelor's degree & 12 years of frontier AI 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:
  • Define and lead Amgen's Frontier AI strategy across foundation models, multi-modal AI, advanced model architecture, academic partnerships, and quantum AI/ML.
  • Build and maintain an enterprise roadmap that translates emerging AI research into scalable, high-value capabilities for R&D, Operations, Commercial, and corporate functions.
  • Lead the development and application of frontier AI capabilities, including foundation models, multi-modal systems, simulation-based learning, and reinforcement learning approaches.
  • Identify and prioritize high-impact use cases where frontier AI can improve scientific discovery, decision-making, productivity, and operational performance.
  • Partner with AI platform, data engineering, architecture, product, domain teams, and CDT to ensure frontier AI solutions are designed for scale, reliability, security, resilience, and operational governance
  • Establish technical standards for model architecture evaluation, experimentation, benchmarking, model validation, and production readiness.
  • Develop Amgen's academic and external research partnership strategy, including collaborations with leading universities, research labs, vendors, and scientific AI organizations.
  • Evaluate emerging opportunities in quantum AI/ML and quantum-enabled optimization, identifying practical applications aligned to Amgen's scientific and business priorities.
  • Oversee proof-of-concept, pilot, and production pathways for frontier AI solutions, ensuring appropriate governance, documentation, monitoring, lifecycle management, and joint review processes with CDT for high-risk and security-sensitive deployments
  • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing frontier AI organization, including leaders and technical experts across reinforcement learning, multi-modal AI, model architecture, and quantum AI/ML.
  • Communicate frontier AI strategy, progress, risks, investment needs, and outcomes to senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
  • Partner closely with CDT for adversarial testing, operational resilience requirements, and security assurance for high-risk AI capabilities


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 expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is $303,534 - $410,664. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

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 retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:
  • 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 and bi-annual company-wide shutdowns
  • Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.


Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.

Salary Range
USD - USD

About Amgen Inc

Amgen is a biotechnology company that develops and manufactures human therapeutics for various illnesses and diseases. The company is values-based and deeply rooted in science and innovation to transform new ideas and discoveries into medicines for patients with serious diseases. They offer products for treating illness in the areas of oncology/hematology, cardiovascular, inflammation, bone health, nephrology, and neuroscience.

Amgen Inc Careers

Join the dynamic team at Amgen Inc, a biotechnology pioneer dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative human therapeutics. At Amgen, we offer more than just job opportunities; we invite you to be part of a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation.

Work You’ll Do

At Amgen Inc, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, engaging in work that brings real solutions to patients worldwide. Our commitment to your career growth is evident in our professional development and leadership training programs designed to nurture your potential.

Innovate and Lead

Amgen Inc stands at the forefront of biotech innovation. Our team is constantly pushing the boundaries of science and technology. By joining us, you will contribute to a legacy of medical breakthroughs that improve the lives of millions.

Be Part of a Great Team

Amgen’s inclusive culture and commitment to diversity are integral to our success. We believe in empowering our employees with the skills and networking opportunities they need to thrive. Our team’s collaboration is the key to developing groundbreaking solutions.

Future-Proof Your Career

Amgen Inc offers a variety of career paths, from research and development to marketing and sales, providing near-limitless opportunities for advancement. Whether you are looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Amgen has a place for you. Our robust benefits package supports the well-being of our employees and their families, contributing to a fulfilling work-life balance.

Explore Job Opportunities

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Amgen Inc. We are hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals ready to face challenges head-on. Explore our open positions that match your skills and interests.

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Prepare for your future with Amgen Inc by utilizing our resources designed to enhance your interview skills and polish your resume. Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract professionals who are driven to make a difference.

Amgen Inc—Where Careers Grow

At Amgen Inc, we are committed to turning innovative science into value for patients. If you are passionate about joining a team that makes a difference, search Amgen jobs today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career.

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Join us at Amgen Inc, where your career can flourish in an environment of innovation, leadership, and growth.
Learn more about Amgen Inc
Size
24,200 employees
Market Cap
$141.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7.2 billion
Founded
1980
5 Year Trend
+2.5%
Revenue
$25.4 billion
NASDAQ

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