• Scientist I

    Astellas Pharma (Cambridge, MA)


    Scientist I

     

    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 .

     

    Astellas is announcing a Scientist I opportunity at their Astellas Innovation Management (AIM) site in Cambridge, MA.

    Purpose:

    We are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. or MS-level scientist with hands-on experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry to join our discovery biology team, focusing on target identification, validation, and exploratory biology for fibrosis and nephrology indications. The ideal candidate excels in biochemical assay development, is adept at designing and executing experiments independently, and actively engages with the latest scientific literature to drive innovative research.

    Essential Job Responsibilities:

    + Independently design, plan, and execute in vitro and cellular experiments supporting target identification and validation in fibrosis and nephrology.

    + Develop, troubleshoot, and interpret biochemical assays—such as ELISA, enzymatic activity, binding, and cellular pathway analyses.

    + Generate, analyze, and report high-quality decision-making data for project trajectory and pipeline prioritization.

    + Stay current with relevant literature to inform project strategy and experimental design.

    + Collaborate cross-functionally with biology, chemistry, and data science teams both internally and externally to Astellas

    + Present research findings at internal meetings and contribute to publications or external presentations.

    Qualifications:

    Required:

    + PhD. or MS degree in biological sciences, pharmacology, biochemistry, or related discipline.

    + Industry experience (biotech, pharma, or translational academic lab) in exploratory biology, target identification, or validation.

    + Proven track record of generating actionable experimental data; history of independent project execution.

    + Extensive hands-on experience with biochemical/cellular assay platforms (e.g., enzyme assays, cell-based phenotypic screens).

    + Understanding of key disease pathways in fibrosis and/or nephrology indications.

    + Skilled in data analysis, troubleshooting, and experimental documentation.

    + Strong communication skills and ability to convey technical information to project teams.

    + Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to learn new techniques and approaches.

    Technical Expertise:

    + Familiarity with automation or high-throughput assay platforms.

    + Experience with early drug discovery or preclinical pipeline activities.

    + Knowledge of omics technologies, CRISPR, or genetic manipulation approaches is a plus.

    + Experience interpreting and implementing recent advances from the published literature.

    Skills:

    + Strong collaboration and teamwork abilities.

    + Excellent oral and written communication in English.

    + Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities

    + Highly collaborative win-win mindset is essential

    Working Environment:

    + This position is based in Cambridge, MA and will require on-site work.

    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-TR

    Category Innovation Incubation Lab US

     

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

     

    EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans