Scientist II, Discovery, Targeted Therapy

Do you want to be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients? Every day, we are driven to develop and deliver innovative and effective new medicines to patients and physicians. If you want to be part of this exciting work, you belong at Astellas!

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the world. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.com.

Purpose and Scope:

The Discovery Targeted Therapy Research team at Astellas is seeking a highly accomplished and visionary scientist to drive innovative research initiatives in oncology drug discovery. This role is ideal for a candidate who has a proven track record of successfully designing, executing, and leading discovery-phase research programs targeting cancer biology. The candidate will be responsible for being a member of a research program team to generate new ideas, develop study plans, conduct pharmacology studies, meet timelines, actively engage with global R&D stakeholders, and deliver high-value products.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

This position directly impacts our ability to prosecute our company goals of maintaining an early-stage pipeline of potential drug candidates. The measures of success are the advancement of new targets through the successive stages of the drug discovery pipeline. Their components are:

• Pipeline Advancement: Contribute to the strategic expansion of Astellas’ oncology pipeline by identifying promising drug targets and ensuring robust preclinical validation aligned with clinical development strategies.
• Strategic Program Leadership: Conceive and manage oncology-focused drug discovery programs from early concept through preclinical development. Collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams including biology, chemistry, translational science, and clinical development to align scientific goals with strategic business objectives.
• Scientific Innovation & Execution: Design and execute research studies that identify and validate therapeutic targets across a range of cancer indications focusing on GI & GU. Apply cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, cellular assays, and in vivo models to support candidate selection.
• Data Analysis & Communication: Utilize advanced analytical tools to interpret complex biological datasets, derive actionable insights, and present findings to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership.
• Cancer Biology Expertise: Develop deep understanding of tumor biology, resistance mechanisms, and biomarker development. Focus on emerging areas such as targeted protein degradation, synthetic lethality, or immune-oncology strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
• Collaboration: Proactively foster strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions, clinical research centers, and biotech companies to accelerate the discovery of transformative cancer therapies.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in relevant scientific field that provides knowledge of theories, principles and concepts within biological sciences or similar discipline.

       -MS with minimum 8+ years of drug discovery experience

       -PhD with minimum 5+ years of drug discovery experience

• Proven expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry etc. with competence in designing, developing, and executing wide range of in vitro assays and/or in vivo animal models.
• Exceptional understanding of mechanisms of cancer maintenance and key signaling pathways in the disease.
• Experience with advanced molecular biology techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, flow cytometry, and cell culture of both, primary tumor cells and established tumor cell lines.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to design and execute hypothesis-driven research projects independently.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific data clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong collaborative capabilities, with experience working in multidisciplinary teams to achieve common research goals.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively.
• Able to work productively and to participate in a highly creative and fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

• Strong track record of research productivity as evidenced by high-quality, impactful publications.
• Experience working with small molecules.
• Proficiency in evaluating cell signaling.
• Attention to details with excellent organizational and record keeping skills.

Working Environment:

• This position is based in Cambridge US, MA and will require on-site work 5 days/week.

Salary Range: $103,600-$162,800 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations)

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution
• Company paid life insurance
• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
• Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
• Referral bonus program

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

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