Scientist II, Disease Mechanism Research

  • Astellas Pharma, Inc.
  • South San Francisco, California
  • Full Time

Scientist II, 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 www.astellas.com .

Purpose and Scope:

The Disease Mechanism Research team is seeking a candidate with experience in the drug discovery that demonstrated ability to conceive, lead and execute research programs in oncology. The candidate should have exceptional analytical skills enabling them to interpret and communicate intricate scientific insights effectively. A successful candidate will contribute to a deeper understanding of cancer biology in focused cancer indications and support the enabling of Astellas pipeline in oncology.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for design, execution, and analysis of non-clinical studies in oncology necessary to validate novel therapeutic concepts and modalities of anti-cancer drugs

  • Provide scientific and technical expertise to delivery deeper understanding of mechanisms of action of emerging drugs in oncology

  • Seek and apply innovative approaches to understand tumor resistance to therapies targeting oncogene addiction and beyond

  • Act as an oncology expert in cross functional team

  • Support multiple projects simultaneously and work cross-functionally with colleagues in Disease Mechanism Research group and across Astellas' Cancer Research team

Qualifications:

Required

  • PhD or MS in Oncology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immuno-Oncology, or a related field, with a strong background in signal transduction and protein degradation with +5 years for PhD and +8 year for MS of relevant experience.

  • Proven expertise in protein biochemistry, including experience with techniques such as Western blotting, protein interaction assays and mass spectrometry

  • 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 skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively.

  • Solid data science and analytical skills, as well as excellent written and oral communication in English

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.

Salary Range : $107,100-$153,000 (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

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

#LI-TR1

Category Cancer Biology

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans

Job ID: 485589737
Originally Posted on: 7/16/2025

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