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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 Cambridge, Massachusetts. 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 plays a key role in bridging Astellas’ internal Oncology Research with the dynamic external scientific ecosystem. Reporting to the Head of CI&RPM, this role is responsible for proactively identifying emerging science, novel technologies, academic research, and biotech innovation with the potential to inform and shape Astellas' oncology research strategy.

This individual acts as a strategic connector, providing early, strategic, pre-deal insights into external opportunities that align with internal priorities. The role partners closely with Modality Intelligence Leads, Research Strategy Leads, Innovation Intelligence Analysts, and Business Development, ensuring seamless knowledge transfer and the incorporation of external perspectives into research planning and 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