Scientist Jobs at Amgen with Visa Sponsorship
Scientist jobs at Amgen span drug discovery, translational research, and biologics development across therapeutic areas including oncology, inflammation, and rare disease. Amgen has a strong track record of sponsoring international researchers, making it one of the more accessible large biopharma employers for candidates who need work authorization.
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US - California - South San Francisco
JOB ID: R-243477
LOCATION: US - California - South San Francisco
WORK LOCATION TYPE: On Site
DATE POSTED: Jul. 16, 2026
CATEGORY: Scientific
SALARY RANGE: 165,307.15 USD - 223,650.85 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. 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.
Principal Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry
What you will do
Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. In this vital role you will be part of an innovative Medicinal Chemistry group, with responsibilities including (but not limited to) the design, synthesis, and purification of novel compounds for potential clinical drug development. This will also include the opportunity to work within Amgen’s Induced Proximity Platform (IPP), which is focused on novel and innovative approaches to modulate intractable targets in diseases using the emerging PROTAC modality.
This is an onsite laboratory position at our South San Francisco site.
Responsibilities:
- Devise and implement state of the art scientific research through conducting laboratory experiments, planning detailed procedures for defined projects including timelines, milestones, methodological approaches, expected results and necessary resources
- Review, analyze, and interpret scientific data and results; providing regular updates, documentation, and/or communication on project results; collaborating with other scientists and keeping current with field of expertise, including literature and technology development
- Additional responsibilities may include advising supervisors and colleagues in areas of expertise; participating in national and international meetings, providing scientific results that support the generation of publications or patents, and mentoring research associates and laboratory assistants
What we expect of you
We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The qualified professional we seek is a Principal Scientist with these qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
Doctorate degree and 2 years of scientific experience or
Master’s degree and 5 years of scientific experience or
Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of scientific experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Doctorate degree in chemistry specializing in organic chemistry and 6+ years of experience in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry
- Experience leading medicinal chemistry teams and delivering candidates for clinical development
- Extensive track record of consistent and successful drug discovery accomplishments (e.g. patent inventorship, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications)
- Deep understanding of drug discovery and relevant drug discovery disciplines (e.g. chemistry, biology, safety, PKDM, etc.)
- Expert in modern medicinal and synthetic chemistry approaches
- Demonstrated experience managing direct reports
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills (both written and oral)
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, including remote and hybrid work arrangements, where possible
and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Application deadline
Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.
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.
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, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Scientist Jobs at Amgen
Align your credentials to Amgen's pipeline focus
Amgen prioritizes scientists with expertise in biologics, antibody engineering, or translational medicine. Frame your CV around techniques and therapeutic areas that map directly to their active pipeline, not general lab skills.
Distinguish your visa type early in applications
Amgen sponsors multiple visa categories for Scientists. Clarifying upfront whether you need H-1B, E-3, or TN sponsorship saves time and signals self-awareness. Recruiters at large biopharma firms deal with mixed applicant pools and appreciate candidates who know their own situation.
Search verified Scientist openings on Migrate Mate
Amgen lists Scientist roles across multiple sites and levels. Use Migrate Mate to filter specifically for positions that have confirmed visa sponsorship, so you're targeting openings before recruiters close the pipeline.
Prepare your degree equivalency documentation in advance
Amgen's Scientist roles typically require a Ph.D. or a master's degree plus industry experience. If your degree was awarded outside the U.S., get a credential evaluation from a NACES-member organization before you reach the offer stage, as USCIS requires this for H-1B specialty occupation petitions.
Understand Amgen's PERM timeline for immigrant visas
If you're targeting a long-term path to a Green Card, ask your recruiter whether Amgen initiates PERM for Scientist-level roles. DOL's PERM process can take 12 to 18 months before I-140 filing, so knowing the employer's standard practice helps you plan your status extensions.
Use OPT STEM extension time strategically during hiring
F-1 students on STEM OPT have up to 36 months of work authorization, which covers two H-1B lottery cycles. Amgen's Scientist hiring often runs through postdoctoral pipelines, so entering the interview process early in your OPT period gives you a realistic runway to secure H-1B sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amgen sponsor H-1B visas for Scientists?
Yes, Amgen sponsors H-1B visas for Scientist roles. The company has a well-established immigration program and regularly files H-1B petitions for research and development positions across its U.S. sites, including Thousand Oaks, South San Francisco, and Cambridge. Scientist roles typically qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS criteria given the degree requirements involved.
How do I apply for Scientist jobs at Amgen?
Applications go through Amgen's careers portal. Scientist roles range from entry-level to principal, so filter by your degree level and therapeutic area focus. You can also browse open Scientist positions at Amgen that have confirmed visa sponsorship on Migrate Mate, which surfaces roles specifically relevant to candidates who need work authorization.
Which visa types does Amgen commonly use for Scientist roles?
Amgen sponsors H-1B, E-3 visa, TN visa, J-1 visa, and F-1 OPT and CPT for Scientist positions, as well as employment-based immigrant visas including EB-2 and EB-3 for longer-term hires. The appropriate visa depends on your citizenship and degree level. Australian citizens are eligible for E-3 visa, while Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying scientific roles may use TN visa status.
What qualifications does Amgen expect for Scientist roles?
Most Scientist openings at Amgen require a Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences discipline, such as biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, or pharmacology. Some mid-level roles accept a master's degree with several years of industry experience. Hands-on expertise in biologics characterization, cell-based assays, or in vivo models is frequently listed as a core requirement rather than a preference.
How do I time my job search if I'm on OPT or awaiting an H-1B decision?
If you're on F-1 OPT, target Amgen's Scientist openings at least three to four months before your OPT expires to allow time for onboarding and H-1B cap filing, which USCIS opens in March for an October 1 start date. STEM OPT extensions give you additional runway if your first lottery attempt is unsuccessful. Confirm early in the interview process whether your role qualifies for cap-exempt filing through any affiliated research entity.