Senior Scientist - Oligonucleotide Conjugation

Career Category

Job Description

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 mission—to serve patients living with serious illnesses—drives 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.

Senior Scientist -Oligonucleotide Conjugation

What you will do

Let’s do this. Let’s change the world.

Responsibilities:

• Design, synthesize, purify, and analytically characterize oligonucleotide conjugates-including optimizing synthesis/conjugation/purification protocols.
• Drive technical execution of conjugation projects from start to finish and perform hands-on conjugate synthesis (developing and optimizing conjugation strategies and purification methods).
• Serve as the oligonucleotide conjugation subject-matter expert (SME) in cross-functional team meetings. Conduct biophysical/biochemical assays (e.g. ELISA, SPR, FRET, BLI, DSF, DLS) to evaluate target binding and stability of oligonucleotide conjugates.
• Train as needed, collaborate with the Genetic Medicines group and cross-functional teams to meet project objectives and timelines. Prepare research results for presentations, patent applications, and scientific publications. (This role supports Amgen’s pipeline of siRNA-based therapeutics.)

Additional Responsibilities: Perform hands-on ligand, linker/spacer, and oligonucleotide synthesis at mg-to-gram scales, including designing, purifying, analyzing synthetic products and optimizing synthetic protocols. Maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks and remain complaint on safety & required training.

What we expect of you

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The qualified professional we seek is a [Sr. Scientist with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree PhD OR PharmD OR MD or
• Master’s degree and 3 years of relevant experience
• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline with 3-5 years experience in biotech/pharma plus specific experience in oligonucleotide conjugation – e.g. designing, synthesizing, and characterizing oligo conjugates of small molecules, linkers, peptides, proteins, etc.
• Expertise in conjugation chemistries and site-specific bioconjugation techniques, along with familiarity with RNA therapeutic modalities (ASO, siRNA, etc.).
• Proficiency in preparative and analytical chromatography techniques (IEX, RP-HPLC, SEC, LC‑MS) for oligonucleotides, and conjugates thereof, is required.
• Experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesizers and associated processes (on-resin conjugation, cleavage & deprotection, desalting, formulation) is a plus .
• Must demonstrate ability to conduct independent research and have strong communication/teamwork skills in a dynamic environment.

What you can expect from 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 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, a