This position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts or San Francisco, Califonia. 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 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.
Essential Job 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.
Qualifications:
Required
- 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.
Salary Range
$175K – $240K (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
Category CI & Research Program Management
Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.
EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans