Head of Induced Proximity Platform (IPP)

Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

We seek a highly motivated individual to be the founding Head of Amgen's Induced Proximity Platform (IPP). IPP builds on the demonstrated potential of bispecific agents that serve as molecular bridges to link together two proteins and/or cells to treat disease across multiple therapeutic areas. Examples of successful bispecifics across industry include the approved agents lenalidomide, sirolimus, cyclosporin, blinatumomab, and emicizumab, as well as the emerging PROTACs.

We seek to develop a small molecule-based Induced Proximity Platform to enable its use as a general approach to modulate intractable targets in diseases with high unmet need, with initial emphasis on the emerging PROTAC modality. Development of this platform will be enabled by Amgen's recent acquisition of Nuevolution, a leading innovator of DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) technology. You will lead a group of PhD and non-PhD level biologists and chemists to develop novel therapies for paradigm changing multi-specific drugs of the future.

The Head of IPP will report to the Senior Vice President for Global Research, and be based in Thousand Oaks, California.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Build on the success of Amgen's bi-specific modality approach to expand and accelerate development of the IPP, including PROTACs and other induced proximity technologies
• Establish a comprehensive knowledge base of current and emerging relevant science and technologies
• Define a vision for the platform and implement a long-term scientific/technical strategy
• Drive excellence in recruiting and growing intellectual human capital to build a talented and diverse organization that will deliver the next generation of Amgen's therapeutics
• Foster and drive culture and processes to ensure open, timely, and relevant communication within/across organizations
• Advance personal and organizational knowledge of the IPP to be a champion for Induced Proximity science and technology internally and externally (industrial & academic)
• Ensure organizational alignment across Global Research (Therapeutic Areas, Therapeutic Discovery, Preclinical Development), Global Development and Process Development through active management of key relationships as well as resources with Corporate and R&D priorities
• Outline and implement medium and long-range strategic business plans to meet current and future scientific needs, business requirements and a workforce management plan
• Management of budget and prioritization of resources

Basic Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree and 6 years of biological research experience OR
• Master's degree and 10 years of biological research experience OR
• Bachelor's degree and 12 years of biological research experience AND
• 6 years of managerial experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs or directing the allocation of resources

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD or MD degree plus 10 years' experience in biological research beyond postdoctoral studies
• Recognized thought leader with deep expertise and demonstrated record of research in biochemistry, structural biology, genetics, and/or cellular and molecular biology
• Familiarity with drug discovery technologies
• Possesses personal leadership qualities that inspire trust, respect, credibility and confidence of peers and colleagues and takes the organization to a higher level
• Ability to create, grow and develop high performing teams that deliver outstanding business results
• Success in an environment that drives innovation, where individuals can think creatively and take calculated risks
• Experience building and leading teams, and operating within a complex, multi-site matrixed organization

At Amgen, our mission is serving patients. Our staff are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of science to transform medicine and turn the tide on serious illnesses. Central to achieving this mission is our "people-first" philosophy. We recruit the best talent, build an environment that facilitates career growth, and provide staff with the opportunity to make significant contributions for patients and our business.

Consistent with our core leadership value of "Develops the Best Team," we are seeking leaders that prioritize the development of talent. As a manager, your first priority and primary role will be to accelerate the performance and development of your team. We expect managers to exemplify strong leadership and champion self-awareness and career development. Ways that you will display your leadership acumen in this role include:

• Mentoring, coaching, and developing staff to build highly-skilled, diverse, and inclusive teams
• Promoting a positive and respectful work environment that encourages staff retention and motivates individuals to work toward common goals and priorities
• Ensuring that staff understand how their efforts and contributions make a meaningful impact to the business
• Growing core skills and capabilities among staff, particularly in learning agility, problem solving, strategic and creative thinking, flexibility, resilience, effective communication, prioritization, delivery of results, and continuous improvement
• Making accurate evaluations of your team's skills and competencies and providing timely and respectful feedback, including direct delivery of difficult messages
• Developing an understanding of your team's career objectives and serve as a thought-partner in their career development plans
• Assisting staff with preparing for roles of growing responsibility and identifying new opportunities that expand their skills and align with their overall career objectives
• Resolving critical gaps in the organization's internal capabilities and skill sets, including strategic external recruiting as needed
• Identifying diverse, qualified successors for key positions
• Ensuring that direct reports who also lead people consistently demonstrate these same behaviors with their staff

Join Us

If you're seeking a career where you can truly make a difference in the lives of others, a career where you can work at the absolute forefront of biotechnology with the top minds in the field, you'll find it at Amgen.

Amgen, a biotechnology pioneer, discovers, develops and delivers innovative human therapeutics. Our medicines have helped millions of patients in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses.

As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other but compete intensely to win. Together, we live the Amgen values as we continue advancing science to serve patients.

Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.