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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 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:

Early Scientific Engagement & Communications, will lead the strategic development and execution of scientific communications for Astellas early-stage assets, ensuring alignment with the broader oncology and biopharma portfolio strategy. Reporting to the Head of Early Scientific Engagement and Communications, this role will be embedded within the Quantitative Sciences & Evidence Generation (QSEQ) function, enabling a data-driven, evidence-backed approach that integrates biostatistics, real-world evidence (RWE), epidemiology, and medical writing to shape compelling scientific narratives in oncology.

This role will focus on driving early scientific engagement for oncology assets, from discovery through Proof of Concept (POC), ensuring that emerging data is strategically communicated to internal stakeholders and external audiences. The Director will work closely with Research and Development leaders, leveraging established Scientific Platforms and processes to shape scientific narratives that support value creation. Additionally, this role will provide strategic guidance to Asset Maximization Teams (AMTs) on early data dissemination and collaborate with Corporate Communications to align external messaging, including Investor Relations and corporate announcements.

A key responsibility will be partnering with Scientific Publications to ensure publication strategies are seamlessly integrated within the broader pipeline strategy. The Director will oversee early-phase publication planning, working closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to optimize content for scientific discourse and potential re-use across multiple channels.

This position will contribute to the expansion of the early scientific engagement function, ensuring scalable, high-impact communication strategies.

Represent early scientific engagement in internal and external discussions, contributing to strategic alignment across the pipeline.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

+ Lead the development of scientific narratives for early-stage assets and focused-research areas, in partnership with Oncology and Biopharma Research and Development leaders.

+ Drive strategic scientific messaging for early pipeline assets from discovery through Proof of Concept (POC), ensuring alignment with corporate and therapeutic area priorities.

+ Provide expert guidance to AMTs on early data dissemination, ensuring alignment with development and communication strategies.

+ Partner with Corporate Communications to integrate scientific messaging into Investor Relations materials, corporate announcements, and external engagement initiatives.

+ Collaborate with Scientific Publications to align publication strategies, ensuring a cohesive approach across the pipeline.

+ Leverage QSEQ’s data-driven insights (biostatistics, RWE, epidemiology) to enhance scientific communication strategies.

+ Inform and shape publication plans for early-pipeline assets to ensure strategic positioning in scientific discourse.

+ Develop and implement publication strategies in collaboration with SMEs, ensuring alignment with evolving clinical data.

+ Optimize publication content for re-use across multiple channels, leveraging established scientific platforms.

+ Ensure publication strategies support key clinical development and regulatory milestones.

+ Develop centralized scientific content for early-pipeline assets to support Medical Education needs.

+ Review Medical Information content for scientific accuracy and consistency.

+ Guide digital publication enhancements and publication extenders for early-pipeline assets.

+ Ensure close collaboration with Scientific Publications while maintaining a distinct focus on early-stage communications.

+ Engage with clinical, regulatory, and commercial teams to align scientific insights with broader development strategies.

Qualifications:

Required

+ Advanced degree (MS, PhD, MD, or PharmD) in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Oncology, Cell & Gene Therapy, or a related field.

+ 8+ years of experience in scientific communications, medical affairs, or publications within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.

+ Strong expertise in early-phase drug development and scientific engagement.

+ Experience in publication planning and execution, particularly for early-stage assets.

+ Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including research, clinical development, and corporate communications.

+ Excellent scientific writing, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

+ Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and drive alignment across teams.

Preferred:

+ 10+ years of experience in scientific communications, medical affairs, or publications.

+ Experience in global or cross-functional drug development teams.

+ Publications vendor management and/or team leadership experience.

+ Experience developing process improvements and governance in scientific communications.

+ Flexibility to travel as needed, including potential international travel.

This role is critical in shaping the scientific narrative for Astellas’ early oncology pipeline, ensuring that data-driven insights are effectively communicated to drive value creation and strategic decision-making.

Salary Range

$175K – $235K (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

\#LI-SS

Category Quantitative Sciences & Evidence Generation

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

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans