Senior Research Lead - Oncology

**Senior Research Lead - Oncology** **About Astellas** Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at . **Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?** We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact. **Purpose:** Senior Research Lead in Oncology at Astellas is a strategic leader and key member of our scientific oncology research team, dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative therapeutic compounds for cancer treatment. This role reports to the Head of Oncology Research and involves providing global strategic leadership, scientific expertise, and business acumen to drive the success of our nonclinical research programs as well as providing scientific expertise support for clinical programs. Senior Research Lead also serves as a mentor for other Research Leads. **Essential Job Responsibilities:** _Strategic and Scientific Leadership_ + Drive the research program from Discovery (DC) stage through Candidate Nomination (CN) as a leader, ensuring alignment with company goals and a robust pipeline of clinical candidates. + Co-lead the Asset Maximization Team (AMT) with Asset Lead from CN to First Subject Dose (FSD), supporting clinical development as a subject matter expert (SME) in nonclinical science after FSD. + Provide scientific leadership and mentorship, fostering innovation and guiding teams on strategic and technical decisions. + Evaluate and prioritize drug candidates based on scientific, medical and commercial considerations in collaboration with Dev and Com representatives, incorporating the latest advancements in oncology research, drug discovery technologies, and industry trends. + Lead program reviews, milestone decisions, and budget/resource allocation, ensuring financial and operational efficiency for their responsible Research team in collaboration with sub-functional unit heads. + Share best practices with other Research Leads, leading training programs and mentoring them to enhance program strategies and execution. _Team Leadership and Management_ + Build and lead high-performing, transparent, and creative research teams, fostering innovation and collaboration. + Manage team priorities, resources, and investments in alignment with the company's overall oncology strategy and objectives. + Attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent by driving innovation and providing growth opportunities. + Oversee experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation, ensuring high scientific rigor and impactful decision-making. _Cross-functional Collaboration_ + Lead their responsible Research team and collaborate closely with other Research teams, Primary Focus Lead (PFL)-Oncology, Development team, T&M team, and other key stakeholders to drive program success. + Align research objectives with the broader oncology strategy, ensuring seamless coordination with key stakeholders and leadership teams. + Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including academic institutions and industry partners. **Qualifications Required:** + Advanced degree in life science (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M.) with more than 12 - 15 years' industry and minimum 7 - 10 years of drug discovery and development experience in roles of increasing project leadership responsibility. + Extensive experience leading multiple assets from preclinical to development, particularly in oncology and immune-oncology. + Proven track record in managing nonclinical research teams and drug development projects in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting. + Experience with modalities such as small and large molecules and ADCs, etc... + Proven track record of successful drug discovery programs, including lead compound identification and optimization. + Deep understanding of drug discovery techniques and processes, from target identification to preclinical development. + Excellent leadership and strategic planning skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving ambitious goals. + Strong business acumen and understanding of pharmaceutical industry regulations and processes (e.g. IND, NDA submissions). + Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships. + Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on data-driven approaches. **Location and Working Environment** + This position is based in US/Japan. 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. + The actual base salary/Grade offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location. **What awaits you at Astellas?** + Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide. Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day. + Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare. + A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions. **Our Organizational Values and Behaviors** **Values:** _Innovation, Integrity_ and _Impact_ sit at the heart of what we do. **Behaviors:** We come together as _'One Astellas'_ , working with courage and a sense of _urgency_ . We are outcome focused and consistently take _accountability_ for our personal contribution. **Salary Range:** $197,400-282,000 (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-paid fleet vehicle for eligible positions + Referral bonus program /#LI-TR1 Category Oncology Research Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans

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