About this role
Scientist Oncology Research
US - California - Thousand Oaks
JOB ID: R-257259
LOCATION
US - California - Thousand Oaks
WORK LOCATION TYPE: On Site
DATE POSTED: Oct. 02, 2026
CATEGORY: Research
SALARY RANGE: 115,393.45USD -156,120.55 USD
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. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, 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.
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.
Scientist Oncology Research
What you will do
Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. The Department of Oncology Research at Amgen, Thousand Oaks is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to help discover and validate novel oncology targets and advance the next generation of small-molecule therapeutics. In this vital role you will be an integral member of a dynamic research team and collaborate closely with scientists across Amgen’s Discovery Research organization.
This is an on-site role focused primarily on laboratory research. You’ll make impactful scientific contributions by developing and conducting in vitro studies to investigate target biology, evaluate mechanisms of action and assess early-stage therapeutic molecules. Through this work, you’ll generate high-quality, actionable data to guide target validation and drug discovery decisions.
You’ll also use scientific literature and relevant databases to identify and assess emerging target hypotheses, helping guide target ideation and validation. You’ll maintain thorough, timely research records, communicate findings at internal and external forums, and contribute data and writing to peer-reviewed publications.
What we expect of you
We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The dynamic professional we seek is a scientist with these qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
- Doctorate degree
Or
- Master’s degree and 2 years of relevant laboratory experience
Or
- Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of relevant laboratory experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- An advanced degree and training in cancer biology or a related field, with a background in cancer signaling pathways and the cell cycle.
- A strong skillset of standard cell and molecular biology experimental design and techniques (e.g. cell culture, western blotting, immunofluorescence, qPCR, flow cytometry, etc).
- Experience with high-throughput assays (e.g. CTG, AlphaLISA, MSD) is a plus.
- Mammalian cell culture work will be required, and relevant experience is highly desired.
- Experience with modern techniques for assaying gene function (e.g. RNAi and CRISPR approaches), especially lentivirus preparation and utilization
- Familiarity with genomic data analysis suites (e.g., DepMap, cBioPortal, OmicsSoft) and AI-enabled tools for scientific research and data analysis (e.g., CODEX)
- Experience in target identification and validation or supporting the early stages of drug discovery.
- A track record of independent critical thinking and scientific achievement, supported by publications and/or significant contributions to a drug discovery program.
What you can expect of 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, 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
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Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.
careers.amgen.com
Sponsorship
Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.
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 and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.