Team Lead, In vivo Pharmacology, Disease Mechanism Research

Team Lead, In vivo Pharmacology, Disease Mechanism Research

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

Purpose and Scope:

The Disease Mechanism Research team at Astellas West Coast Innovation Center is seeking an exceptional leader to drive in vivo pharmacology efforts to support the Astellas oncology pipeline.  The ideal candidate should demonstrate deep understanding of cancer biology and immune-oncology, and lead pre-clinical in vivo research focused on understanding the mechanism of action of Astellas' Cancer Biology modalities. A successful candidate will direct a team of in vivo pharmacology scientists to increase the probability of clinical success for oncology therapies. This position will be located on site in South San Francisco.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of in vivo pharmacology scientists to generate high quality data to support Astellas' Cancer Biology pipeline
• Serve as an expert in oncology and immune-oncology in vivo model development
• Design, plan, and supervise anti-tumor efficacy and PK/PD studies in mice
• Lead the efforts to address MoA and safety of novel therapeutics in vivo
• Act as a representative of in vivo pharmacology team in scientific discussions with multi-disciplinary teams and senior leadership.
• Interface with colleagues from different therapeutic focus areas at Astellas
• Proactively seek out, recognize, and assess novel biology and technologies in Oncology/Immuno-Oncology space

Qualifications Required:

• PhD, DVM in Pharmacology, Immunology, or related field, with 10+ years of relevant industry experience
• Deep expertise in in vivo models of cancer and/or immunotherapy; experience with T-cell engagers and small molecules are preferred
• Strong understanding of cancer biology and immunology, including immune cell trafficking, cytokine biology, and T cell kinetics
• Experience with development of novel therapies, in vivo testing, and PK/PD analysis
• Prior experience with antibody technology or development is a plus
• Hands-on experience using various cell line and PDX mouse models, and humanized mouse models
• Has a proven track record of success working in a matrix/cross functional environment
• Has leadership strengths and can effectively communicate and navigate in a matrix environment
• Possess excellent written/oral communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred:

• Experience bringing programs through in vivo proof of concept and into the clinic
• Experience with biomarker development (pharmacodynamic, predictive, and safety) to inform clinical translation and patient selection strategies
• Previous experience leading a program in therapeutic discovery/development
• Experience mentoring more junior scientists, leading cross-functional project teams, and a track record of successful managing external teams or CRO
• Proven track record of leading IND-enabling pharmacology studies
• Hands-on experience with mouse handling, tumor implantation, IV/SC/PO dosing, and tissue processing is preferred

Working Environment:

• This position is based in South San Francisco (Astellas West Coast Innovation Center) and will require on-site work.

Salary Range:  $140, ,000 (NOTE: Final salary could be more or less, based on experience)

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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