Astellas Pharma US, Inc

Scientist I - Cell Engineering

Astellas Pharma US, Inc$94K — $135K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field with 0-3 years relevant experience; OR MS with 5+ years; OR BS with 8+ years relevant experience.
  • Experience in cell biology, stem cell biology, cell therapy, or related research areas.
  • Hands-on experience with cellular, molecular, and functional assay development.
  • Experience with fluorescence/confocal microscopy, ICC/IHC, and image analysis.
  • Strong collaboration, organization, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Design, lead, and execute in vitro studies for engineered cell therapies evaluation.
  • Develop and implement novel assays to support therapeutic advancement.
  • Independently analyze and communicate complex datasets for program strategy.
  • Lead microscopy characterization efforts and quantitative phenotyping.
  • Identify technical challenges and drive improvements in experimental approaches.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support research objectives.
  • Contribute to experimental planning and candidate evaluation through scientific insights.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off options, including national holidays and year-end shutdown
  • 401(k) match and annual company contribution
  • Company paid life insurance
  • Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive
  • Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
  • Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
  • Referral bonus program
Full Job Description
Scientist I

Purpose & Scope

The Scientist I, contributes to the development and characterization of engineered cell therapeutics through the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of in vitro studies. The incumbent will support platform and candidate advancement by generating high-quality scientific data, developing and implementing characterization approaches, and collaborating across multidisciplinary research teams. Depending on experience level, the role may include increasing ownership of study design, assay development, data interpretation, and scientific strategy to support the advancement of engineered cell therapy programs.

Role and Responsibilities
  • Design, lead, and execute in vitro studies to evaluate engineered cell therapies, including cell identity, functionality, potency, and mechanism-of-action characterization.
  • Develop, optimize, and implement novel cellular, molecular, and imaging-based assays to support platform and candidate advancement.
  • Independently analyze, interpret, and communicate complex datasets to drive scientific decisions and program strategy.
  • Lead microscopy-based characterization efforts, including ICC/IHC, fluorescence and confocal imaging, image analysis, and quantitative phenotyping.
  • Identify technical challenges, develop solutions, and drive continuous improvement in experimental approaches and characterization capabilities.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to advance research objectives and support translational studies.
  • Contribute to experimental planning, candidate evaluation, and prioritization through scientific insight and critical thinking.
  • Maintain high-quality documentation, communicate findings through presentations and reports, and contribute to a collaborative scientific environment.
  • Mentor junior scientists and research associates through technical guidance, troubleshooting, and knowledge sharing


Required Qualifications
  • PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field with 0-3 years relevant experience; OR
  • MS with 5+ years relevant experience; OR
  • BS with 8+ years relevant experience.
  • Experience in cell biology, stem cell biology, cell therapy, gene therapy, or related research areas.
  • Hands-on experience with cellular, molecular, and functional assay development and execution.
  • Experience with fluorescence/confocal microscopy, ICC/IHC, and image analysis.
  • Strong experimental design, data analysis, and scientific problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to independently plan, execute, and communicate research studies.
  • Strong collaboration, organization, and communication skills.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with retinal biology, ophthalmology, regenerative medicine, or stem cell-derived products.
  • Experience with flow cytometry, ELISA/MSD, potency assays, or functional characterization methods.
  • Experience in IHC/ICC, microscopy, image analysis
  • Demonstrated scientific leadership through independent study ownership, mentorship, or technical leadership.


Location and Working Environment
  • This position is based in Westborough, MA and requires on-site work.
  • The incumbent is expected to actively participate in experimental design, study execution, data analysis, and scientific discussions.
  • The role involves collaboration with internal and external stakeholders in a highly collaborative research environment.


Salary Range

$94,570 - $135,100 (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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About Astellas Pharma US, Inc

Astellas Pharma US, Inc is a pharmaceutical company that develops and markets drugs for the treatment of cancer, immunology, and urology. The company is a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc, a Japanese pharmaceutical company. Astellas Pharma US, Inc was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois. The company has over 17,000 employees and operates in over 50 countries. Astellas Pharma US, Inc is committed to improving the health and well-being of patients through the development of innovative and effective therapies.
Learn more about Astellas Pharma US, Inc
Size
14,522 employees
Industry
Founded
2005
NASDAQ

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