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Scientist II, Discovery, Tumor Immunity

Astellas
South San Francisco, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/21/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/17/2025
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 .
The Role
This position, the Non-Clinical Pharmacology Scientist, will play a critical role in incubation-stage projects focused on cancer treatment. This position will leverage expertise to contribute to the achievement of DC milestones. Based in South San Francisco, this position will collaborate closely with team members, biologics team members and external collaborators under the guidance of the Incubation & Acceleration Lead and the Head of Discovery Tumor Immunity to move project forward and ensure successful outcomes. It is essential to effectively integrate the research experience gained in Japan with the research environment at the US site, promoting more efficient non-clinical research in collaboration with local members.
Responsibilities
Plan and independently conduct appropriate in vitro non-clinical pharmacological studies, necessary to advance incubation-stage projects and contribute to the achievement of DC milestones. This includes concept validation of the project, identification and selection of drug candidates, confirmation of the mechanism of action, and exploration of combination drugs.
Work in a team-oriented laboratory environment under the guidance of the Incubation & Acceleration Lead and the Head of Discovery Tumor Immunity, collaborating with team members, biologics team members, and cross-functional research teams in pharmacokinetics, safety, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), as well as external collaborators.
Prepare patent specifications related to non-clinical pharmacology data for patent filings of drug candidates as needed.
Proactively conduct investigations to propose new projects based on cancer biology strategies.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and scientific/technical guidance to junior staff as opportunities arise.
Required Qualifications
    PhD with 5 years or MS with 8 years of relevant experience in non-clinical pharmacological research
    Drug discovery experience: track record of identifying drug candidates and advancing projects
    Solid Understanding of oncology and immunology, including key concepts, mechanisms, and recent advancement in the field
    Experienced in conducting in vitro experiments for cancer and immunology research, including but not limited to cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA
    Strong understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation in the context of oncology and immune-related research
    Self-motivation with a proactive mindset
    Good time management skills
    Desire and ability to work in cross-functional, flexible and team-oriented environment
    Well-balanced communication skills (active & passive) in English
Preferred Qualifications
    Experienced in conducting in vivo mouse experiments for tumor immunity
    Working knowledge of IND-enabling pharmacological studies
    Antibody drug and/or small molecule discovery experience: track record of advancing projects from discovery into clinical trial as non-clinical pharmacological lead or member
Salary Range: $103,600 - $148,000 (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

Salary : $103,600 - $148,000

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