Purpose and Scope:

The External Innovation Partner, Oncology Research - Targeted Protein Degradation & Induced Proximity is a scientific leadership role that serves as an External Catalyst, connecting Astellas Oncology Research with leading external innovation ecosystems in targeted protein degradation, induced proximity, and degrader-conjugate science.

Reporting to the Head of CI & RPM, this role proactively identifies, evaluates, and shapes external opportunities across PROTACs, molecular glues, monovalent/direct degraders, degrader platforms, E3/UPS biology including CRBN, VHL, and novel E3 ligases, target engagement, proteomics/chemoproteomics, structural and computational degrader design, Degrader Antibody Conjugates (DACs), next-generation induced-proximity technologies such as RIPTAC and TCIP, and other oncology-relevant targeted-delivery or induced-proximity modalities.

The role translates external scientific signals into research hypotheses, differentiation logic, critical-assumption questions, and scientific assessments that guide research strategy and support BD-led partnership discussions in close collaboration with internal research leaders.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

External Ecosystem Engagement & Catalytic Scouting:

• Build trusted access to academic investigators, KOLs/KEEs, biotech founders, incubators, investors, CROs, tech-transfer offices, venture creation groups, and scientific consortia focused on TPD, induced proximity, oncology chemical biology, proteomics, and degrader-conjugate science.
• Prioritize engagement with leading innovation ecosystems and global centers of excellence in degrader science, induced proximity, oncology research, chemical proteomics, and DAC/degrader-conjugate technologies.
• Represent Astellas Oncology Research at major scientific conferences, innovation forums, targeted partnering events, and academic meetings to uncover early-stage opportunities before they become broadly visible.
• Actively track scientific and company activity across PROTACs, molecular glues, monovalent/direct degraders, novel E3 ligase recruiters, CRBN/VHL biology, target engagement, proteomics/chemoproteomics, next-generation induced-proximity technologies such as RIPTAC and TCIP, and DACs.
• Maintain dynamic hub heatmaps, KEE maps, company/platform landscapes, and opportunity pipelines that enable rapid triage and high-quality internal decision-making.

Scientific Opportunity Identification & Strategic Insight:

• Identify high-impact external science, platform technologies, targets, mechanisms, and translational capabilities with potential relevance to Astellas oncology research priorities and future portfolio options.
• Assess TPD and induced-proximity opportunities based on target biology, degradability, modality fit, E3/UPS strategy, mechanism of action, target engagement, proteomic selectivity, cellular pharmacology, DMPK/PK-PD, differentiation, competitive positioning, and development risk.
• Evaluate platform-partnership opportunities for scientific maturity, scalability, target-ligase knowledge, assay/model access, reproducibility, IP/FTO considerations, and potential to unlock difficult-to-drug or previously inaccessible oncology targets.
• For DAC or degrader-conjugate opportunities, assess tumor antigen selection, internalization/trafficking biology, targeting vehicle properties, linker-payload strategy, degrader payload mechanism, degradation readouts, tumor selectivity, safety liabilities, and fit with Astellas capabilities.
• Translate early-stage innovation signals into strategic insights that support research prioritization, portfolio planning, and exploratory evaluation of external opportunities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Knowledge Integration:

• Collaborate closely with Research Strategy Leads, Modality Intelligence Leads, Innovation Intelligence Analysts, and other subject-matter experts to ensure insights are shared and acted upon.
• Support BD-led opportunity evaluation in collaboration with Business Development and relevant embedded partners by providing scientific framing, diligence questions, data-package interpretation, and strategic context. Business Development retains accountability for partnership strategy, business discussions, negotiation, valuation, and commercial terms.
• Contribute to the development of intelligence infrastructure and best practices for horizon scanning, opportunity mapping, and external engagement across CI & RPM

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, MBA, or equivalent) in Oncology, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D, external innovation, academic collaboration, or scientific partnering.
• Strong understanding of oncology drug discovery, translational science, and modality platforms (e.g., next gen ADCs, engineered biologics, engineered small molecules).
• Proven ability to engage with scientific leaders and navigate early-stage biotech and academic ecosystems.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex scientific information into strategic insights.
• Prior experience in academic liaison, external innovation, or strategic scouting in pharma/biotech or venture ecosystems.
• Familiarity with CI platforms, digital literature monitoring tools, and academic/biotech databases.
• A strong network in academia or biotech focused on oncology.
• Experience in competitive intelligence, scientific scouting, or innovation strategy within oncology.
• Familiarity with academic-industry collaboration models and consortia-based innovation.
• High digital literacy and comfort with landscape analytics, scientific intelligence platforms, and conference tracking tools.

Location and Working Environment

This position is based in Cambridge, MA or San Francisco, CA. Remote work from anywhere in the US is available.

At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas' Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.

Salary Range

$170,450 - $243,500 (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

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