Pharma Physician Development Program (Associate Director)

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.

This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from certain states may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines. Candidates interested in remote work are encouraged to apply.

Purpose and Scope:

The Pharma Physician Development Program is a premier two-year rotational program designed to equip high-potential clinicians with critical insights into the pharmaceutical industry while fostering business acumen, leadership skills, and scientific expertise. Through three diverse rotations—Clinical Development (12 months), Medical Affairs (6 months), and Pharmacovigilance (6 months), Participants will gain hands-on exposure to key functions that drive product innovation and patient impact.

Throughout the program, participants will receive in-depth training on the Product Development Lifecycle, develop essential leadership abilities, and gain valuable knowledge and experience working with cross functional teams to support Product Life Cycle Management. This experience is supported by mentorship and networking opportunities that create lasting foundations for career success in the pharmaceutical industry.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Participants will contribute to Astellas programs across three key functional areas and gain a 360 degree view of drug development. This will require participation in 3 specialized rotations:

1. Clinical Development (12 months)

• Collaborate as part of the leadership of the clinical team to support the definition of the clinical hypothesis, the clinical development plan (CDP) including Life Cycle Management (LCM) and execution of clinical programs.
• Engage in clinical study design, preparation of essential clinical documents (e.g., Investigator Brochure, Protocols, Clinical Study Reports), and global health authority interactions.
• Participate in medical monitoring, clinical safety and efficacy data review, and evidence generation strategy creation based on stage of product development.
• Support clinical and program risk assessment and mitigation planning
• Work cross-functionally on study-level activities (including operational readiness and execution required to deliver trials within timelines and budgets), stakeholder collaborations within matrix-based Asset Maximization teams to support efficient and timely decision making at governance discussions.

1. Medical Affairs (6 months)

• Support the development and execution of regional growth strategies, planning the MA strategy aligned with LCM nd alignment of Global Brand Strategies.
• Identify medical data gaps based on SWOT analyses lead Medical Affairs scientific initiatives, participate in Medical Legal Review (MLR) and support internal training programs for field teams (e.g., MSLs and Sales Reps ).
• Drive the design and execution of clinical and Real-World Evidence (RWE) studies, as well as HEOR initiatives for data generation advisory boards and external engagement for strategic insight collection, publication and congress planning, medical communications and medical education programs.
• Embed agile ways of working while fostering collaboration across commercial and Medical teams.

1. Pharmacovigilance (6 months)

• Develop hands-on experience in safety monitoring and risk management throughout the drug lifecycle.
• Develop an understanding of global pharmacovigilance regulations by engaging in activities such as signal management, aggregate reporting, and causality assessment in individual case safety reporting.
• Develop an understanding of optimizing the benefit-risk profile of a product by participating in Safety Management Teams, Benefit Risk Teams and engaging in risk management planning and product label discussions.
• Collaborate with teams on inspection readiness, QMS reviews and CAPAs.
• Learn the fundamentals of relevant databases (e.g., LSLMV), dictionaries (e.g. MedDRA) and their use in both pre- and post-marketing safety surveillance.

Throughout the Program

• Participants will benefit from additional developmental opportunities, including:
• Business Acumen Training: Gain specialized knowledge of Astellas’ business processes, operational frameworks, and market dynamics.
• Product Development Lifecycle Training: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical innovation process, from concept to commercialization.
• Leadership Skill Development: Build core leadership capabilities through mentorship, direct industry exposure, and structured training programs.
• Cross-Functional Insights: Connect with and learn about relevant functions, including commercial, regulatory, and clinical teams, while engaging in collaborative decision-making processes.

Why Join the Program?

This program offers:

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced leaders across scientific, clinical, and business disciplines.
• Leadership Development: Participate in curated experiences designed to build strategic leadership skills for success in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Pharmaceutical Insight: Gain immersive exposure to Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, and Pharmacovigilance.
• Cross-Functional Networking: Engage with professionals across global and diverse teams, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities.

Embark on a transformative journey into the pharmaceutical industry that will position you as a future leader in clinical, medical, and scientific innovation.

Qualifications:

Qualifications:

Required

• Medical degree (MD or equivalent).
• Clinical: 2 to 5 years of clinical experience, (including clinical fellowships and/or experience as an attending physician in clinical practice) preferably in oncology.
• Scientific Research: Prior experience and interest in scientific (non-clinical or clinical) research would be an asset.
• No pharmaceutical experience required

Key Skills:

• Strategic thinking, strong analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly in conveying scientific and clinical concepts to diverse global audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently with a results-driven approach, as well as collaboratively within teams.
• Professional fluency in English.
• Highest level of scientific integrity and impeccable work ethic (
• Demonstrate Astellas Core Values: Commitment to Innovation, Integrity, and Impact.

Preferred:

• Published clinical or nonclinical research

Salary Range

$193,200 - $276,000 (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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Salary : $193,200 - $276,000