Head, Discovery, Targeted TherapyAstellas 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:To enhance our ability to serve cancer patients, deeper understanding of cancer biology in the context of diseases such as GI/GU cancers is crucial.
The Head, Discovery, Targeted Therapy, will report to the Head, Cancer Biology and be responsible for providing the strategic and scientific direction in incubation research aligned with Primary Focus IO/TPD strategy and roadmap. fostering cross-functional collaborations to drive innovative cancer drug discovery. This position is expected to not only utilize in-house capabilities to conduct incubation research, but also to establish connections with US academia and biotech, mainly in the Greater Boston area. Leading a research team of about 20-30, the head will execute agile and dynamic organizational management, and foster a culture where ideas are constantly tested, and early decisions are made based on scientific data.
Essential Job Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership- As a one of Cancer Biology leadership members, create, communicate, and implement the vision of Oncology Research by collaborating with other sub-functions.
- Manages key relationships and communicates effectively with partners across the company, to influence strategy, guide research, make decisions, and efficiently manage resources in the incubation stage.
- Responsible for the development and oversight of the budget and resource planning in Discovery Targeted Therapy, required for executing Cancer Biology strategic plan.
- In collaboration with relevant stakeholders including CI&RPM team in Oncology Research and Business Development, initiate and oversee external research collaborations with academic institutes and biotech companies. Additionally, establish partnerships with scientific advisors, academic organizations, vendors.
- Develop and execute an incubation research strategy tailored to the scale of Astellas' enterprises, while leveraging the strengths of the greater Boston area.
Scientific Leadership & Oversight- Work closely with discovery heads in other locations to update scientific trends in cancer biology and incorporate them into our research strategy.
- Guide the selection of the biology areas to focus on, considering the disease axes that are high priorities in Primary Focus IO/TPD.
- Constantly nominate high quality DC programs to have sustainable achievement of CN (selection of drug candidate) and IND.
- In addition to utilizing our in-house research capabilities, proactively drive the scientific screening of new ideas from external networks in the US, particularly in Greater Boston area, conduct appropriate due diligence, and lead the launch of early drug discovery programs.
Team Leadership & Management- Hire, develop, coach, and manage performance of team of scientific and technical staff, including senior level leaders.
- Foster a collaborative, transparent, and creative team environment that drives innovation and invention.
- Manage team priorities, resources, and investments in alignment with Oncology Research overall strategy and objectives.
Qualifications:
Required- PhD, MD or equivalent advanced degree in a life science discipline
- 15+ years of experience in pharmaceutical industry with significant expertise in related functions (e.g. Cancer biology, Immunology, Immuno-Oncology) with 3+ years in research leadership positions
- Deep expertise in oncology drug discovery research is a must with a clear track record in the successful preclinical development of therapeutics in Oncology therapeutic area
- Deep understanding of pharmaceutical product development, manufacturing, and regulatory science
- Contributed to the successful transition of drug candidates to the clinical-development phase resulting in favorable outcomes
- Significant experience in leading a certain size of a team in a highly matrixed, diversified, and global environment
- Strong scientific acumen
- Strong written and spoken communications skills in English
- Self-motivation with a proactive mindset
- Strong interpersonal influence and active listening skills, flexible team player with the highest ethical and business standards
- Ability to manage middle-scale (less than $10M) operational budgets
Preferred- Experience working in a global company
- Author of over 15 peer-reviewed publications in biology
Working Environment:- This position is based in Cambridge US and will require on-site work/management in principle.
- Frequent business travel is required to collaborate with other research functions worldwide and to build relationships with business partners.
- As a global leader, participation in meetings scheduled for early mornings and late nights is regularly required.
Benefits:- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation, Sick time, plus national holidays including Heritage Days, and Summer and Winter Breaks
- 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
- Referral bonus program
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