Senior Scientist (Oligonucleotide Conjugation)

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

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated conjugation chemist to expand the pre-clinical oligonucleotide conjugation capabilities of the Genetic Medicines team, with a focus on protein-oligonucleotide, small molecule-oligonucleotide, and peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates. This role supports Amgen’s pipeline of siRNA-based therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Designing, synthesizing, purifying, and analytically characterizing 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 an oligonucleotide conjugation subject-matter expert (SME) in cross-functional team meetings.
• 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.
• Prepare oligonucleotides as needed.
• Collaborate with biology and analytical teams to conduct biophysical/biochemical assays (e.g. ELISA, SPR, FRET, BLI, DSF, DLS) to evaluate target binding, stability, and additional oligonucleotide conjugate properties.
• Maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks and remain compliant on safety & required training.

Requirements

The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in oligonucleotide conjugation chemistry and will work at the interface of molecular design, analytical characterization, and platform innovation. This scientist will collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to develop robust conjugation technologies that improve therapeutic performance, stability, manufacturability, and translational potential.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Doctorate degree OR Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline and 2 years of industry experience in biotech/pharma with specific experience in oligonucleotide conjugation—e.g. designing, synthesizing, and characterizing oligo conjugates of small molecules, linkers, peptides, proteins, etc.
• OR Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline and 4 years of experience in biotech/pharma with specific experience in oligonucleotide conjugation—e.g. designing, synthesizing, and characterizing oligo conjugates of small molecules, linkers, peptides, proteins, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience with automated oligonucleotide synthesizers and associated processes (on-resin conjugation, cleavage & deprotection, desalting, formulation).
• Ability to conduct independent research and strong communication/teamwork skills in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we’ll support your journey every step of the way. Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of:

• 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.

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.