Associate Scientist Discovery Proteomics

Join Amgen’s mission of serving patients. At Amgen, 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 a focus on four therapeutic areas—Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease—we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. 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.

About the role

In this vital role, you will expand your experience in liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based proteomics to work in South San Francisco. The team develops and applies proteomic technologies to support Amgen’s early discovery pipeline programs and technology platforms. The Associate Scientist will execute and optimize quantitative proteomic workflows supporting cell-surface target discovery, proximity-labeling studies, preclinical biomarker discovery, and mechanism-of-action investigations. The successful candidate will work closely with proteomics, functional genomics, biology, automation, and bioinformatics colleagues to generate high-quality, reproducible data and communicate results to project teams. This lab-based role will support Amgen’s preclinical pipeline through high-quality experimental execution and collaborative problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize established proteomics workflows, including sample preparation, peptide fractionation, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry acquisition for discovery and targeted approaches such as DIA, TMT, label-free DDA, and PRM.
• Prepare samples from cell lines and other biological matrices using workflows such as cell-surface protein enrichment and proximity labeling.
• Operate LC-MS systems across several vendor platforms, assess instrument and data quality, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot common workflow or instrument issues with guidance from senior staff.
• Process and evaluate proteomic data using software such as Proteome Discoverer, Spectronaut, and DIA-NN, and work with bioinformatics and senior colleagues to support data analysis and sharing.
• Analyze results and identify technical issues in collaboration with project scientists.
• Communicate experimental plans, progress, and results to immediate team members and cross-functional collaborators.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of experiments, protocols, instrument performance, and analyses in accordance with laboratory and data-integrity practices.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree or
• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of scientific experience or
• Associate’s degree and 4 years of scientific experience or
• High school diploma / GED and 6 years of scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, molecular or cell biology, or related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with proteomic sample preparation.
• Familiarity with Proteome Discoverer, Spectronaut, DIA-NN, or similar proteomics software and the ability to assess data quality and interpret results.
• Experience with protein enrichment methods is desirable.
• Ability to evaluate LC-MS performance and troubleshoot routine sample-preparation, chromatography, or instrument issues.
• Experience with automated sample-preparation platforms, such as Tecan, Hamilton, Opentrons, or KingFisher, is a plus.
• Experience working with diverse biological sample types, including cell lines, tissues, biofluids, and FFPE specimens, is also preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with attention to detail and a commitment to reliable, reproducible results.

Benefits

• 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
  • 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

Pay

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.