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 Astellas.com.
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 & Scope
The Modality Intelligence Lead is a scientific subject matter expert within the Oncology Research Intelligence group, specializing in the strategic analysis of emerging therapeutic modalities such as next gen ADCs, engineered biologics, or small molecules. Reporting to the Head of CI&RPM, this role provides deep, cross-oncology research portfolio insights on modality trends, competitor activities, platform technologies, and translational relevance to inform Oncology Research strategy. In addition to ongoing landscape monitoring and intelligence synthesis, the Modality Intelligence Lead proactively identifies high-potential external opportunities and leads the development of evaluation proposals for internal consideration. By collaborating closely with External Innovation Partners, Oncology Research Leadership, relevant PF (ie. PF-IO and PF-TPD) and Business Development, the role ensures timely, well-informed assessments that support strategic research alignment and external innovation prioritization.
Role and Responsibilities
Modality Landscape Monitoring & Strategic Foresight:
Continuously monitor scientific, clinical, and technological advances across prioritized therapeutic modalities.
Identify emerging trends, breakthroughs, and risks with implications for Astellas' oncology research strategy and modality capabilities.
Develop structured landscape assessments and foresight reports highlighting implications for internal pipeline differentiation and innovation gaps.
External Opportunity Assessment & Strategic Framing:
Collaborate with External Innovation Partners and Business Development to assess novel platforms, technologies, and innovation opportunities aligned with prioritized therapeutic modalities and the overarching Oncology Research Strategy.
Support nonclinical-stage opportunity assessments by providing strategic modality insights, and lead the development of internal opportunity briefs and evaluation proposals for potential collaborations, partnerships, or in-licensing opportunities.
Collaboration & Influence:
Act as a trusted advisor to CI&RPM and other sub-function units in Oncology Research, and other scientific stakeholders on modality trends and strategic implications.
Partner with Innovation Intelligence analysts and Research Strategy Leads to ensure data-driven modality insights inform broader Oncology Research Strategy development.
Contribute to the enhancement of intelligence infrastructure (e.g., databases, dashboards, horizon scanning tools) with a modality focus.
Required Qualifications
Advanced degree (PhD, MD, MBA, or equivalent) in life sciences, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, bioengineering or related field.
Minimum 8 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D, external innovation, academic collaboration, or scientific partnering.
Deep technical understanding of one or more modality platforms (e.g., engineered biologics, engineered small molecules, next generation ADCs).
Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex datasets and scientific trends into actionable strategy.
Proven experience influencing research or portfolio decisions through strategic insights.
Familiarity with the external innovation ecosystem including biotech start-ups, platform companies, and academic research.
Experience working closely with Research Leadership and Business Development on strategic evaluations.
High digital literacy and familiarity with CI or analytics tools/platforms.
Effective communication skills, with ability to convey scientific and strategic ideas to both technical and executive audiences.
Location and Working Environment
This position is based in San Francisco, CA or Cambridge, MA. 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.
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
$168,700 - $241,000 (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 fleet vehicle for eligible positions
Referral bonus program
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