Incubation & Acceleration Lead, 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 Incubation & Acceleration Lead, Discovery, Targeted Therapy, will report to the Head, Discovery, Targeted Therapy, and will involve nurturing ideas from internal and external sources, including academic and biotech firms in Greater Boston, into drug discovery programs. With no set reporting lines, the position will liaise closely with Cambridge US based biologists, act as a hub to effectively connect small ideation teams, identify promising seeds, and manage incubation research effort to create drug discovery projects (DC) while promoting collaboration with chemistry and biologics functions. The lead will oversee five or more incubation research projects simultaneously.
Essential Job Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership- As a leadership member of the Cambridge US biology team, be responsible for developing research strategies and ideation directions, ensuring alignment with the overarching strategy of Cancer Biology.
- Develop a plan for accessing external seeds in collaboration with the CI&PRM team in Oncology Research and Business Development.
Scientific Leadership & Oversight- Identify the next area of biology to address, considering the linkage between disease pathology and biology.
- Work with I&A Leads and biologists to provide scientific insights for cancer biology incubation research strategies.
- Commit to create 2 or more DC programs a year from the incubation research portfolio.
- Team Leadership & Management
- 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
- 12+ 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
Preferred- Experience working in a global company
- Author of over 10 peer-reviewed publications in biology
Working Environment:- This position is based in Cambridge US and will require on-site work/management in principle.
- 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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