Career CategoryScientific
Job DescriptionSenior Scientist - Protein BiochemistWhat you will doLet's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role you will be responsible for designing, planning, and executing the generation of key enabling reagents that support the structure determination of target molecules via X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).
You will collaborate closely with structural biologists within the group and contribute to advancing our drug discovery efforts. The ideal candidate must possess flexibility in applying their knowledge to new areas of study and have strong interpersonal and communication skills to thrive in a collaborative environment.
Key responsibilities:
- Protein Biochemistry: Be actively involved in the design and execution of construct design, molecular cloning and protein expression strategies with the Amgen Discovery Protein Sciences team and/or CROs; design and execute purification strategies to support the structure determination of drug targets in complex with therapeutic molecules.
- Collaborative Support: Work closely with structural biologists to generate high-quality protein samples for structural biology techniques, particularly X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM.
- Method Development: Develop and optimize purification protocols and reagents, ensuring high protein purity, homogeneity, and stability for structural studies.
- Characterization and Quality Control: Use biochemical and biophysical techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE, Western blot, spectrophotometry, SEC-MALS, SPR, mass spectrometry) to assess protein quality and stability. Collaborate with team members to provide structural biology insights into the mechanism of action (MOA) of target proteins.
- Project Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed within timelines while meeting high-quality standards.
- Team Communication: Present research finds effectively in both written and oral formats for internal teams and external collaborators in a timely and transparent manner.
- Innovative Thinking: Continuously troubleshoot and optimize experimental workflows, applying creative solutions to overcome challenges in protein production and purification.
What we expect of youWe are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The Senior Scientist we seek is a professional researcher with these qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:Doctorate degree PhD
OR
PharmD
OR
MD [and relevant post-doc where applicable]
OR
Master's degree and 3 years of Molecular, Structural Biology experience.
OR
Bachelor's degree and 5 years of Molecular, Structural Biology experience.
Preferred Qualifications- Demonstrated expertise in expression, purification, and quality assessment of challenging recombinant proteins, with a track record of producing material suitable for cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, or other structural biology applications.
- Strong hands-on experience with membrane proteins, including GPCRs; experience with other challenging protein classes is also highly valued.
- Deep understanding of protein stability, folding, homogeneity, and aggregation, with a hypothesis-driven approach to troubleshooting low expression, instability, heterogeneity, aggregation, or poor complex formation.
- Experience with mammalian, insect, and/or microbial expression systems.
- Expertise in chromatography-based purification, including affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and size-exclusion chromatography, using systems such as Cytiva ÄKTA or Agilent HPLC.
- Proficiency with biochemical and biophysical methods relevant to protein quality and complex formation, such as SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, analytical SEC, SEC-MALS, DLS, SPR, and mass spectrometry.
- Excellent communication, prioritization, and collaboration skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple deliverables in a fast-paced research environment.
- Strong dedication and commitment to protein purification in support of structural biology projects.
What you can expect from 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.
Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.careers.amgen.comIn any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Application deadlineAmgen 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.
SponsorshipSponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.
Salary Range134,138.50USD -181,481.50 USD