Associate Scientist, Discovery Proteomics

About the role

Amgen is looking for an Associate Scientist in discovery proteomics to join its team in South San Francisco. The role expands experience in liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based proteomics and supports early discovery pipeline programs and technology platforms. It is a lab-based position working closely with proteomics, functional genomics, biology, automation and bioinformatics colleagues.

Key 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 share results with bioinformatics and senior colleagues.
• Analyze results and identify technical issues with project scientists, and communicate plans, progress and results to the team and collaborators.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, protocols, instrument performance and analyses in line with laboratory and data-integrity practices.

Required profile

• Basic qualification: a Master's degree, or a Bachelor's degree with 2 years of scientific experience, or an Associate's degree with 4 years, or a high school diploma / GED with 6 years of scientific experience.
• Preferred: a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, molecular or cell biology or a related discipline.
• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, with attention to detail and a commitment to reliable, reproducible results.

Required skills

• Hands-on experience with proteomic sample preparation.
• Familiarity with Proteome Discoverer, Spectronaut, DIA-NN or similar proteomics software, and ability to assess data quality and interpret results.
• Ability to evaluate LC-MS performance and troubleshoot routine sample-preparation, chromatography or instrument issues.
• Experience with protein enrichment methods, diverse biological samples (cell lines, tissues, biofluids, FFPE) and automated platforms such as Tecan, Hamilton, Opentrons or KingFisher is preferred.

What we offer

• A competitive annual salary range (posted separately); actual pay varies with skills, experience and qualifications.
• Total rewards including health, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a retirement and savings plan with company contributions, a discretionary annual bonus or sales-based incentive plan, stock-based long-term incentives and time-off plans.
• Flexible work models where possible.