Career CategoryClinical
Job DescriptionPrincipal Scientist - Surface Biology Early Validation LeadWhat you will doLet's do this. Let's change the world. We are building a
high-throughput surface biology capability to enable early validation and characterization of membrane protein targets across Therapeutic Areas. This work focuses on generating high-quality experimental data to deepen understanding of target biology and support downstream therapeutic exploration.
We are seeking an experienced Principal Scientist to lead a team focused on early-stage experimental strategies and assay development to evaluate membrane protein expression, localization, and internalization. In this role, you will guide the development and application of cell-based and quantitative assays, working closely with cross-functional partners to ensure data are robust, scalable, and aligned with discovery needs.
You will operate in a highly collaborative environment, partnering with Therapeutic Area teams and platform functions to deliver biologically relevant insights that support target evaluation.
- Provide scientific and operational leadership for a team supporting early target validation
- Lead the design and execution of cell-based and quantitative assays to discover and evaluate membrane protein biology
- Establish robust, scalable workflows to support multiple discovery programs
- Interpret experimental data and communicate clear, actionable insights to project teams
- Partner with cross-functional stakeholders across the Discovery Sciences and Advanced Technologies and AI organization, Therapeutic Discovery, and Therapeutic Areas.
- Collaborate across teams to integrate data and inform target evaluation and prioritization
- Identify and implement new technologies to enhance assay robustness and throughput
- Mentor and develop scientists, fostering a culture of rigor, collaboration, and accountability
What we expect of youWe are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The professional we seek is a Principal Scientist with these qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:- Doctorate degree and 3 years of scientific experience OR
- Master's degree and 7 years of scientific experience OR
- Bachelor's degree and 9 years of scientific experience OR
- Associate's degree and 12 years of scientific experience OR
- High school diploma / GED and 14 years of scientific experience
- In addition to meeting at least one of the above requirements, you must have a minimum of 3 years of experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs, or directing the allocation of resources. Your managerial experience may run concurrently with the required technical experience referenced above
Preferred Qualifications:- PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline
- 5+ years of relevant industry experience, including leadership of scientific projects or teams
- Expertise in cell-surface biology, membrane protein biology, protein trafficking, receptor biology, or related areas of cell biology.
- Demonstrated experience developing quantitative cell-based assays to characterize target biology and support early target validation.
- Understanding of the biological properties that influence therapeutic modality selection, including antigen density, accessibility, internalization, and receptor trafficking.
- Experience investigating mechanisms that regulate cell-surface localization, such as protein topology, intracellular trafficking, alternative splice isoforms, or post-translational processing.
- Experience with flow cytometry, microscopy, high-content imaging, proteomics, or related quantitative approaches.
- Proven scientific leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strong communication skills
What you can expect of usAs 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 posted. 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:
- 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. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.
Salary Range140,123.35USD -189,578.65 USD