Executive Director, Research Oncology
Amgen
June 25, 2026
Remote friendly (South San Francisco, CA)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Executive Director, Oncology Research
What You Will Do
- Drive the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
- Shape oncology research strategy, lead cutting-edge science, inspire talent, and deliver impact for patients worldwide.
- Lead target discovery/validation through clinical candidate selection; support clinical and translational studies.
- Integrate large-scale human datasets, AI/ML, and translational insights into the research portfolio.
- Co-create next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics; lead preclinical teams and portfolios to support clinical programs and external collaborations.
Responsibilities
- Drive research strategy and execution for a differentiated oncology portfolio (initial focus on ADCs; expanding to other modalities).
- Lead and develop high-performing teams of project leaders and scientists.
- Advance preclinical programs; partner cross-functionally with clinical development and biomarker teams.
- Leverage data and technology to accelerate discovery and decision-making.
- Shape external collaborations (academic partnerships and business development opportunities).
Basic Qualifications
- Doctorate degree + 6 years oncology research experience OR Master’s + 10 years OR Bachelor’s + 12 years.
- 6 years managerial experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams/projects/programs or directing allocation of resources.
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in Cancer Biology/Cell Biology or related field with 15+ years industry oncology research post-postdoctoral.
- Experience leading oncology drug discovery from early preclinical through IND/CTA submission.
- High-impact publications/patents; invited congress presentations.
- External partnership leadership; business development diligence leading to partnerships.
- AI/ML familiarity; inclusive, transparent leadership; strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Benefits
- Total Rewards Plan (eligible) including health/welfare, retirement/savings, bonus/incentives, stock-based long-term incentives, time-off plans, and flexible work models (where possible).
What You Will Do
- Drive the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
- Shape oncology research strategy, lead cutting-edge science, inspire talent, and deliver impact for patients worldwide.
- Lead target discovery/validation through clinical candidate selection; support clinical and translational studies.
- Integrate large-scale human datasets, AI/ML, and translational insights into the research portfolio.
- Co-create next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics; lead preclinical teams and portfolios to support clinical programs and external collaborations.
Responsibilities
- Drive research strategy and execution for a differentiated oncology portfolio (initial focus on ADCs; expanding to other modalities).
- Lead and develop high-performing teams of project leaders and scientists.
- Advance preclinical programs; partner cross-functionally with clinical development and biomarker teams.
- Leverage data and technology to accelerate discovery and decision-making.
- Shape external collaborations (academic partnerships and business development opportunities).
Basic Qualifications
- Doctorate degree + 6 years oncology research experience OR Master’s + 10 years OR Bachelor’s + 12 years.
- 6 years managerial experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams/projects/programs or directing allocation of resources.
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in Cancer Biology/Cell Biology or related field with 15+ years industry oncology research post-postdoctoral.
- Experience leading oncology drug discovery from early preclinical through IND/CTA submission.
- High-impact publications/patents; invited congress presentations.
- External partnership leadership; business development diligence leading to partnerships.
- AI/ML familiarity; inclusive, transparent leadership; strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Benefits
- Total Rewards Plan (eligible) including health/welfare, retirement/savings, bonus/incentives, stock-based long-term incentives, time-off plans, and flexible work models (where possible).