Astellas Pharma · 1 day ago
Scientist II, Discovery, Targeted Therapy
Cambridge, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$104K/yr - $163K/yr
5+ years expAstellas Pharma is a pharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative therapies for patients. They are seeking a Scientist II for their Discovery Targeted Therapy Research team to drive oncology drug discovery initiatives, manage research programs, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.
BiotechnologyHealth CareMedical
Responsibilities
Contribute to the strategic expansion of Astellas’ oncology pipeline by identifying promising drug targets and ensuring robust preclinical validation aligned with clinical development strategies
Conceive and manage oncology-focused drug discovery programs from early concept through preclinical development
Collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams including biology, chemistry, translational science, and clinical development to align scientific goals with strategic business objectives
Design and execute research studies that identify and validate therapeutic targets across a range of cancer indications focusing on GI & GU
Utilize advanced analytical tools to interpret complex biological datasets, derive actionable insights, and present findings to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership
Develop deep understanding of tumor biology, resistance mechanisms, and biomarker development
Focus on emerging areas such as targeted protein degradation, synthetic lethality, or immune-oncology strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy
Proactively foster strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions, clinical research centers, and biotech companies to accelerate the discovery of transformative cancer therapies
Qualification
Required
Master's degree (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in relevant scientific field that provides knowledge of theories, principles and concepts within biological sciences or similar discipline
MS with minimum 8+ years of drug discovery experience
PhD with minimum 5+ years of drug discovery experience
Proven expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry etc. with competence in designing, developing, and executing wide range of in vitro assays and/or in vivo animal models
Exceptional understanding of mechanisms of cancer maintenance and key signaling pathways in the disease
Experience with advanced molecular biology techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, flow cytometry, and cell culture of both, primary tumor cells and established tumor cell lines
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to design and execute hypothesis-driven research projects independently
Effective communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific data clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Strong collaborative capabilities, with experience working in multidisciplinary teams to achieve common research goals
Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively
Able to work productively and to participate in a highly creative and fast-paced environment
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Preferred
Strong track record of research productivity as evidenced by high-quality, impactful publications
Experience working with small molecules
Proficiency in evaluating cell signaling
Attention to details with excellent organizational and record keeping skills
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
Company
Astellas Pharma
Astellas Pharma is a global pharmaceutical research & development company.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Astellas Pharma has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (7)
2024 (4)
2023 (4)
2022 (2)
2021 (3)
2020 (5)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
2020-07-22Grant
2008-10-13IPO
Leadership Team
Amanda Hart
Head, Global Commercial Analytics and Reporting
Recent News
2026-01-07
2025-12-18
Company data provided by crunchbase