Scientist I, Oncology

Company: Astellas
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: June 19, 2022

Job Description:

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.

Mitobridge is an affiliate of Astellas. At Mitobridge, we are passionate about developing novel therapeutics that improve mitochondrial function to treat devastating human diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly linked to disease pathologies and we believe that 'normalizing' mitochondrial function can ameliorate or reverse disease states.

Astellas is announcing a Scientist I, Oncology opportunity at their Mitobridge site in Cambridge, MA.

Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Scientist I, Oncology role is to design and carry out experiments in the laboratory to build and support Oncology projects in the early discovery pipeline. Additional responsibilities include partnering across research divisions, working collaboratively with other Oncology and Immuno-Oncology experts within the Astellas global drug development team to identify ways to develop novel cancer therapies. Individual must be capable of working with multidisciplinary research teams and have a demonstrated track record of success in independent scientific research. The successful candidate will be an outstanding scientist with strong conceptual and practical experience in the following areas: Cancer Biology, molecular biology & Cell signaling.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

* Design and develop cell and molecular assays to define mechanism of action for oncology and Immuno-Oncology therapies
* Lead and/or participate multiple Oncology focused projects within discovery, provide scientific expertise, guidance and strategy to successfully bringing programs to IND submission.
* Partner with additional Oncology and Immuno-Oncology experts within Mitobridge as well as across divisions to integrate mitochondria / metabolism focused programs with other oncology related programs in the pipeline.
* Propose, plan and execute studies to characterize the company's drug candidates and their mechanism of action to move programs from discovery to clinical development in oncology indications.
* Provide high-level scientific guidance in designing and implementing cell biology, in vivo pharmacology and biomarker related studies
* Provide updates and advice to senior management, including evaluation of data and their potential impact on drug programs and clinical/regulatory strategy
* Keep abreast of emerging developments regarding research and development in the fields of oncology and Immuno-Oncology, emerging new biology and new modalities that could facilitate identification of new targets or development of new therapeutics

Qualifications:
Required:

* Ph.D. with 0-3 years, MS with 6+ years or BS with 8 + years of highly relevant Oncology/ Immuno-Oncology experience in a biopharmaceutical setting
* Strong background in Cancer Biology
* Hands-on experience co-leading drug discovery projects from target validation to IND-enabling studies in the Oncology field
* Demonstrated creativity and novel approaches to solving scientific problems
* Highly independent thinker with the ability to translate abstract concepts and complexity into actionable solutions.
* Knowledge of preclinical and clinical biomarker discovery and development
* Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills with an enthusiasm for participating in a fast-paced environment characterized by rigorous science and innovative thinking
* Demonstrated application of expertise to drug discovery in the Oncology therapeutic area
* Significant experience as a team member and/or leading multi-disciplinary teams focused on small molecule drug discovery
* At home in a results-driven, highly accountable environment where you can make a clear impact
* A team player and mentor, who listens effectively and invites response and discussion. A collaborator who communicates in an open, clear, complete, timely and consistent manner

Preferred:

* In-depth knowledge of cancer cell signaling and the tumor microenvironment
* Experience in Oncology, molecular biology, small molecule pharmacology
* Broad disease related experience with firsthand knowledge in Oncology and/or immuno-oncology
* Deep understanding and experience of using in vivo oncology models from rodents to non-human primates and human disease samples
* Experience working within large pharma organizations and/or biotech/start up environment
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
* Referral bonus program

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Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Keywords: Astellas, Cambridge , Scientist I, Oncology, Healthcare , Cambridge, Massachusetts