Executive Director, R&D Communications, Corporate Affairs

At Amgen, if you feel like you are a 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.

What you will do

Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. In this vital role as Executive Director, R&D Communications, you will lead Amgen’s global scientific and R&D communications strategy, shaping how we tell our science story across discovery, clinical development, and research innovation.

• • • This role will report directly to the head of Corporate Affairs with dotted line reporting to the Executive Vice President of Research & Development.
    • This role will sit on both Corporate Affairs and R&D Leadership teams.
    • Responsible for developing and executing a cohesive communications strategy that elevates Amgen’s scientific reputation, showcases our innovation pipeline, and strengthens engagement with internal and external scientific stakeholders.
    • Oversee strategic communications for R&D, including external thought leadership and employee engagement.

The preferred candidate will be based in California.

Key responsibilities:

• • • Lead the development and execution of Amgen’s global R&D communications strategy, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities and scientific objectives.
    • Serve as a strategic advisor to senior R&D leaders, including the EVP of R&D, on reputation, visibility, and scientific storytelling.
    • Partner seamlessly with R&D leadership core planning team to map and deliver against a robust internal/external news flow.
    • Oversee thought leadership on R&D innovation, data, and partnerships—strengthening Amgen’s voice across scientific, medical, and business channels.
    • Partner closely with Corporate Affairs colleagues, Medical, Regulatory, and Investor Relations teams to ensure message alignment and compliance with industry standards.
    • Build and sustain a high-performing, results-driven, and dependable R&D communications team of about 6 staff members.
    • Lead internal R&D engagement, helping connect 4,000+ R&D employees to the company’s mission, strategy, and scientific priorities.
    • Oversee integrated communications for major R&D events (scientific conferences, pipeline showcases, publications, and milestones).
    • Develop metrics to assess impact and continuously optimize communication strategies.
    • Understand and advance the use of innovative technologies, including state-of-the-art Comtech and AI platforms.
    • Manage external PR agency partnerships, ensuring efficient execution of strategic priorities.

What we expect of you

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The professional we seek is a leader with these qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:

• • • Doctorate degree & 6 years of Corporate Affairs or Scientific Communications experience OR
    • Master’s degree & 10 years of Corporate Affairs or Scientific Communications experience OR
    • Bachelor’s degree & 12 years of Corporate Affairs or Scientific Communications experience AND
    • 6 years of managerial experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, or programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• • • PhD in Biological or Biomedical science discipline.
    • 15+ years of communications experience with deep expertise in scientific, medical, or R&D communications within the biotech/pharma industry.
    • Ability to translate complex science into accessible and compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
    • Experience advising senior scientific leaders and managing communication around clinical milestones.
    • Experience in issues management, reputation building, and proactive thought leadership.
    • Strategic, analytical, and storytelling skills with attention to scientific rigor.
    • Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities.

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. The annual base salary range for this opportunity in the U.S. is $284,090 to $322,085.

Our Total Rewards Plan includes:

• • • Comprehensive retirement and savings plan with generous company contributions.
    • Group medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance.
    • A discretionary annual bonus program or sales-based incentive plan.
    • Stock-based long-term incentives.
    • Award-winning time-off plans and bi-annual company-wide shutdowns.
    • Flexible work models, including remote work arrangements where possible.

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.

Apply here